With the NFL Combine in the books and pro days underway, we have all the information we are (probably) going to get to make NFL Draft evaluations. I will go through the class position by position and lay out who I think are the best prospects. Obviously, positions more pertinent to the Eagles will get more attention. So, starting with the quarterbacks means I won’t do a super deep dive, but who doesn’t like ranking quarterbacks?
1) Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, 6’1”, 212
Shedeur Sanders was one of the most intensely scrutinized players in the country over the last two years. The attention on Sanders, his father, and the Colorado program were so intense, I actually think people forgot to watch the talented quarterback play.
What stands out about Sanders is an advanced poise and understanding when it came to quarterbacking. While he threw to all-world talent Travis Hunter, Sanders dealt with a sub-optimal offensive line, running game, and supporting receivers. Sanders overcame Colorado’s shortcomings due to his confidence, accuracy, decision making and pre-snap defensive reads. Above the shoulders, he is easily the most impressive quarterback in the class.
Any worry with Sanders, and the reason Cam Ward might be favorable among many NFL teams, is perceived ceiling. Sanders does not have great athletic tools, nor does he have great size. His physical tool-belt is fine, but he lacks elite traits that teams want from a franchise quarterback.
His success in the NFL hinges on his mental game continuing to refine itself so he can outsmart defenses.
NFL Comparison: CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
2) Cam Ward, Miami, 6’2”, 219
The Cam Ward appeal is quite obvious. Ward played at three different colleges during his career, thriving at each one. He’s been a playmaker his whole college career.
First off, Ward has the physical tools teams want from their top quarterback. He has effortless arm strength and the mobility to make plays either behind the line of scrimmage or on the run. He is not prototypically big, but is well built and can shake off contact. He is extremely willing to use his arm to test every level of the field and has the accuracy to pair with the strength. He can make some truly dazzling throws look routine.
Ward is well aware of his physical gifts, but still needs to temper how to use them. His trigger happiness as a passer has gotten him into trouble and will be even more detrimental against NFL defenses. As a runner, he will need to be more conservative and protect his body.Ward does a good job in pre-snap, but struggled in college against more exotic coverage.
Cam Ward is a supremely gifted player with the potential to be the first overall pick. Whoever drafts him high will need to be patient as he works out the big kinks in his game and allow him to maximize his great talent.
NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
3) Jalen Milroe, Alabama, 6’2”, 217
Alabama has become a bit of a quarterback factory since the 2020 draft when both Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts were drafted in the first two rounds. Then Mac Jones went in the first a year later before Bryce Young went first overall in the 2023 draft. At a point, it looked like Jalen Milroe could have been the best of the bunch. He certainly had the talent to be.
Milroe’s career at Alabama, was marred by inconsistency, but at his best Milroe is a very impressive player. He has the best arm in the class in terms of velocity, release time, and ability to change speed. He flashed incredible accuracy at every level of the field. He is a fearless player who can make big throws under pressure and tends to bounce back from mistakes. Of course, his calling card is his running ability. He had 20 rushing touchdowns in 2024 and 12 the year before. He is a fast, agile, and powerful runner on scrambles and designed runs. His athleticism will be very hard for NFL defenses to contain.
Consistency in all facets of his game as a passer will be the big hang up. If an NFL team really grooms him for a year or two, he could actually be a difference maker at quarterback. It is a big “if” though.
NFL Comparison: Justin Fields, New York Jets
The Rest
4) Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, 6’2”, 228
5) Will Howard, Ohio State, 6’4”, 236
6) Quinn Ewers, Texas, 6’2”, 214
7) Riley Leonard, Notre Dame, 6’4”, 216
8) Kyle McCord, Syracuse, 6’3”, 218
