2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top QB Prospects – Ward vs. Sanders

2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top QB Prospects – Ward vs. Sanders

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing quarterback class, with several potential franchise-altering players available. While the class may lack the immediate star power of the 2024 draft, the depth and potential of the top prospects make it a fascinating group to evaluate. Among the quarterbacks generating the most buzz are Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both players possess unique skill sets and have demonstrated the ability to make high-level plays.

The Case for Cam Ward

Cam Ward’s journey to the top of the draft boards has been unconventional. After stops at Incarnate Word and Washington State, Ward landed at Miami and immediately showcased his dynamic playmaking ability. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Ward threw for a school-record 39 touchdowns, earning him the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback.

Ward’s strengths lie in his arm talent and improvisational skills. He possesses a “plus-arm” and can make all the throws required at the NFL level. Ward’s ability to extend plays, create different arm angles, and make throws on the move has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. According to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, Ward is “a little more explosive as an athlete” than Sanders and “can expand your playbook a little more.”

In 2024, Ward ranked among the top FBS quarterbacks in overall grade, touchdown passes, and big-time throws, according to PFF. His exciting highlights have led some to compare him to a young Jordan Love. Ward’s confidence and mentality could make him an All-Pro, but some scouts have concerns about his fundamentals.

The Case for Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders has been in the spotlight since his days at Jackson State, where he transformed the program into a winner. After transferring to Colorado to play for his father, Deion Sanders, Shedeur continued to impress with his poise, accuracy, and leadership.

Sanders excels as a pocket passer with exceptional timing, touch, and anticipation. In 2024, he completed 353 of 477 passes (74.0%) for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His completion percentage ranked among the best in the nation, and he set a CU single-season record for passing yards.

While some scouts question Sanders’ arm strength, his accuracy and decision-making are undeniable. According to PFF, Sanders’ 81.8% adjusted completion percentage in 2024 ranked fifth among FBS quarterbacks. He throws the best deep ball in the class, with pinpoint accuracy downfield. Sanders is also highly accurate throwing outside the numbers, hitting the mark on over 75% of his passes in 2024.

Ward vs. Sanders: A Statistical Comparison

To further analyze the two quarterbacks, let’s compare their 2024 statistics:

Cam Ward (Miami)

  • Passing Yards: Not Available
  • Touchdowns: 39
  • Completion Percentage: Not Available
  • Interceptions: Not Available
  • PFF Overall Grade: Top 2 among FBS QBs

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

  • Passing Yards: 4,134
  • Touchdowns: 37
  • Completion Percentage: 74.0%
  • Interceptions: 10
  • Adjusted Completion Percentage: 81.8% (5th among FBS QBs)

While Ward’s raw statistics are not fully available, his PFF grade suggests he was one of the top overall quarterbacks in the nation. Sanders’ numbers are impressive, particularly his completion percentage and passing yardage.

Other Top Quarterback Prospects

While Ward and Sanders are the headliners, several other quarterbacks could be selected in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

  • Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): Dart is a well-proportioned quarterback with a live arm and the ability to make plays in rhythm or improvise. In 2024, he threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns.
  • Quinn Ewers (Texas): Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, and has the arm talent and athleticism to be a successful NFL quarterback. In 2024, he completed 272-of-394 passes for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions.
  • Riley Leonard (Notre Dame): Leonard is a dual-threat quarterback with a gritty playing style and an efficient over-the-top release. In 2024, he passed for 2,861 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also rushing for 906 yards.
  • Drew Allar (Penn State): Allar has a strong arm and good size, but needs to improve his consistency and decision-making. In 2024, he completed 66.5 percent of his 394 pass attempts for 3,327 yards and a 24:8 TD:INT ratio.
  • Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe is the most physically gifted quarterback in the class, but needs to develop more consistency in his delivery.
  • Will Howard (Ohio State): Howard has plenty of experience and upside, making him an intriguing Day 2 or 3 prospect.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class is full of potential, with Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders leading the way. Ward’s dynamic playmaking and arm talent make him an exciting prospect, while Sanders’ accuracy and poise are highly valued. Other quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers, and Riley Leonard could also emerge as potential starters in the NFL. Ultimately, the success of these quarterbacks will depend on their development, the systems they play in, and the support they receive from their teams.