Meet the Quarterbacks: First Look at 2025's Class of Passers
The last two NFL drafts have seen a combined eight quarterbacks drafted in the first round—and another at pick No. 33 overall. That infusion of talent, nine players who will be starting very soon or are already starting, has helped the NFL shift from the days of Tom Brady, Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers to a new generation of passers.
But there are still teams with uncertain situations at quarterback that will dictate an additional wave of quarterbacks entering the league via the first round of the NFL draft in 2025.
The New York Jets need a quarterback for life after Aaron Rodgers. The Raiders were unable to land a rookie quarterback in the ‘24 draft and will certainly aim for one next year. The Giants are in a similar boat barring a gigantic leap from Daniel Jones. The New Orleans Saints (Derek Carr) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Baker Mayfield) could look to reload at the position. And the Seattle Seahawks’ new regime could, too.
That doesn’t even count teams like Pittsburgh, who has both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on expiring contracts, and the Cowboys, Packers, and Dolphins who have proven starters set to hit free agency.
The groundwork is laid for at least three first-round quarterbacks next year, but who will they be?
There is no Caleb Williams or Bryce Young prospect in this class who enters the year as a likely first overall player. Instead, there is a solid group of quarterbacks all vying for the top spot.
Drew Allar, Penn State
Bio: 6-5, 241 — Junior — No. 2 ranked prep QB in 2022 class (ESPN) — entering second-season as a starter — Posted a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 12.5-to-1 — 233 of 389 passing for 2,361 yards and 25 touchdowns to two interceptions
First look: Allar is a big, strong-armed quarterback with prototypical pocket ability. When kept clean, he has the arm to push the ball downfield and can make throws to every window. His accuracy suffers at times and is a key point of improvement in 2024. He needs to also take more chances with the ball and not always go for lay-ups.
Carson Beck, Georgia
Bio: 6-4, 220 — Senior — No. 16 ranked prep QB in 2020 class (ESPN) — entering second-season as a starter — Posted 24 touchdowns to six interceptions in 2023 with 302 of 417 passing for 3,941 yards; he also added four rushing touchdowns.
First look: Beck was touted as a potential first-rounder in 2024 had he entered the draft. He’s a tall, lean pocket passer with enough foot movement to extend the pocket while not being a running threat. His arm talent is top-tier with a quick release and super fast processing skills. Beck looks like a future first-rounder barring a setback.