2025 NFL Combine: Ranking Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders and the top five prospects at quarterback ahead of the combine

In 2024, Cam Ward put up eye-catching numbers, completing 67% of his passes for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He also showcased his versatility by adding four rushing scores to his stat sheet.

Looking ahead to the NFL, Ward has the tools to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback. His arm strength allows him to stretch defenses deep, and he thrives when improvising, often turning broken plays into game-changing moments.

Beyond his passing ability, Ward has enough mobility to extend plays and pick up crucial yards with his legs. However, like any college quarterback making the jump to the pros, he has areas that need refinement.

One key concern is his tendency to hold onto the ball too long, which puts unnecessary strain on his offensive line. To excel at the next level, he’ll need to speed up his decision-making and get the ball out quicker.

Improving his ability to read defensive coverages and fronts will go a long way in sharpening his processing speed and making him a more polished passer at the professional level.

Coming out of high school, Shedeur Sanders was given a three-star rating, but his ascent through the college ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. During his two-year stint at Jackson State, he put up staggering numbers—racking up 6,983 passing yards, completing 616 of 901 attempts, and firing 70 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions.

Averaging 268.6 passing yards per game, he quickly made a name for himself, earning honors like 2021 SWAC Freshman of the Year and the prestigious Deacon Jones Award. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Tigers to back-to-back SWAC titles and consecutive berths in the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

In 2023, Sanders made waves again by transferring to Colorado, seamlessly adjusting to Pac-12 competition. Despite the Buffaloes finishing with a 4-8 record, he shined under center, amassing 3,230 passing yards and 27 touchdowns while completing 69% of his throws.

His performances solidified his reputation as one of college football's premier talents. However, with the spotlight firmly on him, could the added media attention give NFL teams pause when considering him as a top pick?

As the NFL Combine approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sanders remains in the conversation as a top-two quarterback prospect alongside Miami's Cam Ward, but some scouts believe Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart is gaining ground and could make things interesting when draft day rolls around.

In 2024, Jaxson Dart delivered an impressive campaign, completing 69% of his passes for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Scouts admire his natural instincts, grit, and competitive edge, but concerns linger over his pocket awareness and ball security.

Some evaluators believe his interception tally could have been significantly higher, as he took unnecessary risks with his throws. Fumble issues have also been a red flag, leading some to draw comparisons between Dart and Gardner Minshew.

His 2023 season was equally solid, as Dart posted a 65.1% completion rate, 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five picks. The year prior, he put up 2,974 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 62% of his passes.

Before transferring to Ole Miss, Dart got his first taste of college football at USC in 2021, where he started three games and saw action in six contests.

The draft stock of Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns’ signal-caller, has been one of the most polarizing discussions of the college football offseason. Where he lands in the 2025 NFL Draft remains a hot topic, with opinions varying widely among analysts.

Ewers entered the season as a fringe first-round prospect, but his stock took a hit due to inconsistent performances, particularly in high-stakes matchups against Georgia (twice), Oklahoma, and Ohio State. His struggles in those marquee games raised concerns about his ability to deliver under pressure.

With the NFL Combine fast approaching and the draft just over two months away, Ewers appears to be making subtle adjustments to bolster his standing—starting with his physique.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds ahead of last season, Ewers has reportedly bulked up to better withstand the physical toll of the NFL, according to several reports.

Despite his inconsistencies, Ewers put up solid numbers in 2024, throwing for 3,472 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, leading Texas to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they ultimately fell 28-14 to eventual national champions Ohio State.

In 2024, Jalen Milroe showcased his dual-threat ability, completing 64% of his passes for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while also wreaking havoc on the ground with 20 rushing scores. His athleticism makes him a nightmare for defenses, combining speed and physicality to extend plays and break off big runs.

As a passer, Milroe flashes serious upside with a rocket arm and the ability to launch pinpoint deep balls—arguably his strongest asset. However, his short and intermediate accuracy remains a work in progress, as does his ability to diagnose defensive coverages quickly.

Improving his football IQ, pre-snap communication, and pocket awareness will be key as he transitions to the next level.

Despite his rawness, Milroe is known for his tireless work ethic and determination to refine his craft. However, his performance at the Senior Bowl didn't do him any favors, as he struggled in practice sessions, which may have dented his draft stock in the eyes of NFL evaluators.