NFL GM Calls Tyler Shough Draft's Best 'Pure Thrower' over Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward

The best passer in this year's draft class could be one who isn't getting quite as much hype as the top names.

According to ESPN's Peter Schrager, one general manager said Louisville's Tyler Shough is the best "pure thrower" in this year's draft class.

"I spoke to a GM who I really trust and is really good," Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show. "He was like 'If you're looking for the pure thrower of the ball it's Tyler Shough out of Louisville.'

Though Shough hasn't gotten much hype in the months leading up to the draft, a handful of GMs and coaches have had high praise for him recently. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on the Scoop City podcast that one NFL head coach called Shough "better than Cam Ward" and the best quarterback in this year's draft class.

Shough spent two seasons at Oregon, three seasons at Texas Tech and finished his career with Louisville last year. His time with the Cardinals was by far his best year as he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.

While he had a solid year at Louisville last year, he still had about 1,000 fewer passing yards than top quarterbacks like Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, both of whom eclipsed the 4,000-yard mark.

It's also worth noting that Shough is one of the older quarterbacks in this year's draft class. He's currently 25 and will be 26 early into the 2025 NFL season.

It's hard to imagine Shough will go as early as the first round, but he could be a decent Day 2 pickup. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department has him going 82nd overall to the Seattle Seahawks.

CBS' Jonathan Jones reported Tuesday that Shough has a private workout scheduled with the New York Giants later this week. The Giants have the No. 3 pick in the draft, but it seems more likely that they would take Shough with their second-round pick if at all.