theScore's NFL draft prospect rankings series gives you everything you need to know about the top players on the board. You can revisit other position rankings using the links below.
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
EDGE | DL | LB | CB | S
Ward is clearly the top quarterback in this class. He's a smooth operator in the RPO game, using a quick release and a variety of arm angles to get the ball on his target in a flash. As a drop-back passer, he's demonstrated the ability to work through progressions. His real bread and butter is making things happen when a play breaks down. He can make some truly game-changing plays with his combination of mobility, playmaking instincts, and arm talent to connect on difficult off-platform throws. The gunslinger mentality will probably lead to more turnovers at the next level, and his unconventional improv acts against pressure are bound to result in some costly sacks. Similar to Jordan Love, though, the unique big-play upside will go a long way toward compensating for the occasional blunder. Ward has a chance to produce at a Pro Bowl level if he can limit the mistakes.
Sanders is a fascinating prospect. In many ways, he seems like the player Caleb Williams would be if not for Williams' high-end arm talent and athleticism. The ceiling simply isn't as high without elite physical traits. But that doesn't mean he can't be a long-term starter. Sanders sees and anticipates the game well and is accurate to all areas of the field. He also demonstrated some incredible toughness while taking a beating behind a brutal offensive line at Colorado. While he doesn't have prototypical size, that's never impacted his ability or willingness to attack the middle of the field. Sanders occasionally gets himself into trouble against pressure, retreating back in an effort to create and taking some bad sacks. A lack of athleticism will make it even more difficult to improvise in such a way at the next level. He has shown he can extend plays within the pocket, though, and that trait should really shine with the benefit of semi-competent pass protection. Sanders could become a productive starter with the right supporting cast and a system that makes him the point guard of a quick-hit passing game.
Milroe is the upside play in this year's draft. The Alabama product has NFL-caliber arm talent, and he'll immediately be one of the league's best running quarterbacks. Beyond that, there's a lot of projection required. The accuracy is far too inconsistent at this point in his development, and the decision-making must improve. While a Josh Allen development path should be considered the exception for such shortcomings, there is some reason for optimism. Milroe has demonstrated an ability to work through progressions from the pocket, manipulate coverage defenders, and attack the middle of the field. Making the jump to the next level on a high note would have been far more ideal, but a new coaching staff and a downgrade in offensive line play were surely factors in his frustrating 2024 season. Could a few years as a backup provide the opportunity to put it all together and make good on his potential? Considering the potential payoff, it's absolutely worth a shot.
Shough's age will be a nonstarter for many - a seven-year college career means he'll turn 26 in September. Those willing to look past the Brandon Weeden-esque number may find the hidden gem of this quarterback group. Shough, a four-star recruit from Oregon's 2018 class, enrolled at Louisville for a final year of eligibility after three straight injury-shortened seasons at Texas Tech. Some better luck allowed him to start all 12 games, and he was finally able to demonstrate everything he brings to the table. Shough is a proficient pocket passer with plenty of arm talent, boasts good ball placement to all levels of the field, and has the processing skills to efficiently work through progressions. He manages the pocket well and is far more mobile than you might expect for a player of his size. Developing behind an established veteran is the ideal scenario, as he needs to improve his ability to operate on time to become an effective starter. That may only make the advanced age more worrisome, but the path is there. How many quarterbacks really stick around for 15 years, anyway? Shough could end up being a steal if teams overthink this one.
Dart was an exciting player at Ole Miss. Never one to shy away from a deep shot, he was the perfect quarterback to run Lane Kiffin's explosive offense. There are legitimate questions about how well his game will translate to a pro offense, though, as there weren't many instances of him working through progressions from the pocket. The end of the Florida game was particularly rough from a decision-making standpoint. Locking into a predetermined read is bound to create some issues at the next level, and the deep-ball accuracy isn't nearly as good as the overall big-play production might suggest. But Dart generally puts the ball where it needs to be at the other levels of the field and he can create outside of structure. He also has the athleticism to pick up yards of his own as a runner. Dart profiles as an interesting backup who could eventually emerge as a starter if given the necessary time to develop.
Ewers never quite lived up to expectations at Texas, but it's easy to see the talent. He's got the arm to make every throw on the field, a quick release, and the touch to deliver some really nice passes over an underneath defender. His off-script playmaking, demonstrated with a few highlight-reel throws this year at Michigan, provides some intriguing upside. But the accuracy comes and goes, particularly in the deeper areas. It seems like the inconsistency is a result of some sloppy footwork. His feet tend to get away from him when he's dealing with pressure in the pocket, too. Could a few years of development in the NFL give him a chance to clean up these issues and make the most of his abilities? It's probably a risk worth taking. There's potential for him to become a starter if he can find a way for the highs to become the norm.
McCord is nothing if not confident. To his credit, the willingness to push the ball downfield and challenge tight windows was a big reason for his 34-touchdown breakout after transferring to Syracuse last year. But it's also why he threw 12 interceptions and accounted for 23 turnover-worthy plays, the second-worst mark in the nation, according to PFF. McCord doesn't quite have the arm talent to match his aggressive play style, and that could become an even bigger issue at the next level. His combination of accuracy and timing might provide fringe starter value if he can rein it in and take better care of the ball. If not, who doesn't love a high-variance backup providing the chance for some big plays when called upon? Either way, McCord should have a spot in the league.
Rourke transferred to Indiana after five seasons at Ohio, and his play was a driving force behind the Hoosiers' run to the College Football Playoff. The Canadian signal-caller manages the pocket well, shows an ability to work through progressions, and delivers the ball with touch and accuracy. He doesn't have the strongest arm, so the upside is likely capped here. He also showed little to no mobility at Indiana, but it turns out he played the entire year on a torn ACL. It's easy to admire that kind of toughness. While Rourke will probably never be a significant threat as a runner, his movement skills returning to the level he flashed at Ohio could add an important element to his game. Either way, he's an interesting backup option who has the qualities to keep an offense on schedule in spurts.
Howard offers an intriguing set of physical tools, and heating up at the right time to help Ohio State to a national title will certainly help his case. If given the necessary time, it's possible he can parlay the late growth into a more well-rounded skill set as a passer. There's some significant projection required on that front, though. Howard is accurate enough and manages the pocket well. He can also be a factor on designed QB runs. As we saw during the CFP, that can be enough to win when he's given defined reads. But he hasn't consistently shown he can work through progressions when his first option is taken away. That's when you see passes forced into coverage and the ball put in danger. Howard is likely a developmental backup who could be an early contributor in short-yardage packages.
Gabriel was an incredibly productive quarterback across six seasons at three different stops, throwing for an FBS-record 155 touchdowns. His draft stock doesn't quite match the gaudy numbers, as his size and relative lack of arm strength could present some challenges in the pros. He's also already 24 years old. But he's poised in the pocket and accurate with the ball at the lower levels of the field, doing his best work in a Dolphins-like, timing-based quick passing game. Gabriel also has the athleticism to extend plays and the vision to be a dangerous downfield passer on the move. Physical limitations may well cap his upside, but he's the kind of player who could provide a spark off the bench in a system that utilizes his skill set.
Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.
