What Teams Should Draft a Quarterback in the 1st Round of the 2025 NFL Draft?
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
In a draft in which the QB position seems to be weaker compared to past drafts, it is important to diagnose what draft position is worthy of taking a QB and where the best value is. In recent years, this QB class is most comparable to the 2022 class, but 2025 is better in terms of top talent and depth. The top names at the position this year include:
Miami QB Cam Ward
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
Texas QB Quinn Ewers
Georgia QB Carson Beck
While these are the main names floated around, there are certainly many more big name players that will be looked at. The problem with the 2025 class is not the depth of the QB position, but the top end talent is not comparable to most drafts. Most, if not all, of these quarterbacks will have to develop in a backup role before they are ready to lead a team. They will not be looked at as immediate franchise saviors like we saw this past year with the top 3 picks in the draft. Additionally, we must look at the teams who will be in a prime position to pick a QB early in the draft. For sake of argument, let’s say the first ten picks of the upcoming draft look like the following:
1. New York Giants
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Las Vegas Raiders
5. Cleveland Browns
6. New York Jets
7. New Orleans Saints
8. New England Patriots
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Dallas Cowboys
The next question we must ask is: How many of those teams will definitely NOT take a QB with a top pick? The Jaguars, Patriots, and Cowboys are all teams I would throw in that category. There are then a few teams that can stick with their current starter for one more year and build the rest of the roster up to be ready for a rookie QB in the 2026 draft. Those teams include the Giants, Titans, Browns, Saints, and Panthers. This leaves two teams that I believe to be in line to select quarterbacks in the first round: the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. The Jets need a player to simply stick to structure, deliver the ball with accuracy, and follow the game script. Names that fit include Quinn Ewers, Garrett Nussmeier, and Shedeur Sanders. Ewers has played himself out of top pick consideration and Nussmeier was never there to begin with. Shedeur Sanders would be a perfect fit in New York with his large social media presence and the stage that New York City (technically New Jersey) would provide. The Raiders need a guy that brings excitement and energy into the locker room, while also making them a better football team. Cam Ward is the easy answer. It is one of those drafts where bad teams probably wish they had more of a premium quarterback selection, but quarterbacks will still come off the board early.
