2025 Ourlads' Draft Preview: Quarterbacks

David Syvertsen
10/03/2024 6:24PM ET

1. Milroe, Jalen

Alabama 6020  225

Two-year starter, Katy, TX. All-SEC in 2023 after finishing second in the country in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Only threw the ball 285 times and transitioned to a new offense this season; the same system that molded Michael Penix into a first rounder last April. A dual threat quarterback who clocks in as one of the fastest players on the team, all positions. Couples that explosiveness with running back-caliber frame and power. Understands the nuances to angles and spacing when running with the ball. Has the kind of speed that is simply faster than the defender who is pursuing him. Protects himself from big hits. Knows how and when to get down to miss the meat of a hit. A successful and efficient downfield thrower. Has easy arm strength and shows the touch to layer the ball over defenders into the hands of his receivers. A developing passer with the requisite physical ability. Leadership traits are off the charts. Still appears to struggle as a pure pocket player. Fast to tuck and run rather than work through progressions. Release and ball placement are inconsistent and needs to continue on his path of cleaning his techniques up with both his arm slot and footwork. 

 

2. Sanders, Shedeur

Colorado 6012  198

Four-year starter, Dallas, TX. Began his career at Jackson State to play for his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders while spurning the likes of Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Florida State. Winner of the Jerry Rice Award (Top FCS Freshman of the Year) in 2021. Transferred to Colorado in 2023 to once again, be coached by his father. A pure pocket passer who has made the best of a bad situation when it comes to pass protection. Smooth and repeatable over-the-top release that moves in cohesion with his lower half. Clean footwork sets him up well and he maintains his balance and control as he navigates traffic in the pocket. Has flashed enough speed to create and make plays with his feet. Has the arm talent to make every throw at a high level. Will get too lackadaisical at times, fading away as he releases the ball for no reason. Will try to guide the ball rather than throw it, leaving some zip to be desired. Has taken more sacks than necessary by holding the ball rather than moving in the pocket or hitting a check down. Needs to use his legs more to create when the pocket breaks down. 

 

3. Ewers, Quinn*

Texas 6020  195

Three-year starter, Southlake, TX. All-Big 12 in 2023. Spent one season at Ohio State where CJ Stroud was the number one. Transferred to Texas in 2022 where he started ten games and missed three games to injury. Changed his offseason nutrition and workout regimen in 2023, changing his body and adding more athletic movement traits to his arsenal. Excellent ball handler who fits in well with all of the misdirection, motion, and ball fakes within the Texas passing game. A natural-born thrower of the football who can spin it from any and all angles. A calm and confident leader of the offense. Does not get rattled easily. Will stand tall amongst pressure and traffic, keeping his eyes downfield. Knows to play on schedule, but can buy time for himself when needed. Durability is a concern. Small frame for the NFL and has missed multiple games four straight seasons as a starter dating back to high school. Footwork is not automatic and it leads to inaccurate throws. Deep ball success has wavered. Does not have a lot of throws where he puts it on a rope. Can tend to be a gimmicky passer.

 

4.  Ward, Cam 

Miami 6020 220

Five-year starter, West Columbia, TX. Currently on his third program. Began at Incarnate Word where he earned first team All-Southland Conference twice, including the conference Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2021 in addition to an All-America honor. Transferred to Washington State in 2022 where he started for two years, earning All-Pac 12 honors twice. Transferred to Miami in 2024. A playmaker with both his arms and legs that will create a lot on his own. Specializes in off-schedule plays. A dangerous threat any time he escapes the pocket. Excellent arm strength and accuracy on the move. Knows how to place the ball in a way to set up receivers after the catch. Layers the ball between levels of the defense with confidence. Release is sudden and explosive. Has shown issues with ball protection throughout entire career. Poor ball security habits in traffic and puts the ball on the ground too often. Will take chances on passes he should not. Needs more situational awareness. 

 

5. Beck, Carson 

Georgia 6042  218

Two-year starter, Jacksonville, FL. All-SEC in 2023 after leading the conference in passing. Big frame with a pro body. Clean footwork that plays both sudden and sure. Constantly in sync and within the timing of the offense. Full cohesion between his physical mechanics and decision making. Fast to process information and knows where to go with the ball. Robotic and repetitive, very machine-like. Steady hands in high-pressure situations. Capable of leading the offense through fire. Will bounce back after mistakes and remains slow-pulsed. Does not create a lot off schedule. Does not have a lot of impressive deep, explosive passes on tape. Ultra-quick to check down. Accuracy is inconsistent, does not always set up targets for post-catch yardage. 

 

6. Allar, Drew*

Penn State 6040  225

 

7. Nussmeier, Garrett

LSU 6020  200

 

8. Leonard, Riley

Notre Dame 6035  220

 

9. Klubnik, Cade

Clemson 6017  202

 

10. Brosmer, Max

Minnesota 6014  220

 

11. Howard, Will 

Ohio State 6040  243

 

12. Rogers, Will

Washington 6020  211

 

13. McCord, Kyle

Syracuse 6025  221

 

14. Smith, Donovan

Houston 6040  237

 

15. Shough, Tyler

Louisville 6046  231

 

16. Gabriel, Dillon

Oregon 5110  207

 

17. McCall, Grayson

North Carolina State 6030  200

 

18. Rising, Cameron

Utah 6014  216

 

19. Daniels, Jalon

Kansas 5116  211

 

20. Jefferson, KJ

Central Florida 6031  250

 

*Denotes Underclassman