Multiple NFL Teams Reportedly Don't Have 1st-Round Grade on Any QB in 2025 Draft

For any fans generally lukewarm toward the quarteback class in the 2025 NFL draft, you aren't alone.

"At least one team does not have a first-round grade on any of the quarterbacks in this draft," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday. "The general manager of another team said there are 'no surefire quarterback solutions' and the top-rated passer in this class — [Miami's Cam Ward] — would be the seventh-rated passer in last year's class. 'And I don't think it's close,' he added. Some teams and prognosticators have predicted four quarterbacks to go in Round 1, but there are smart people around the league who believe there might only be one or two who go in the top 32 picks."

Schefter went on to report that the start of the second round could see a flurry of moves if Thursday doesn't have a lot of quarterbacks come off the board.

Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders have at least distanced themselves at the position. They rank ninth and 23rd, respectively, on Bleacher Report's 2025 big board.

Ward garnered praise from one passing game coordinator interviewed by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.

"Cam's stroke is top 10 in the league immediately," the coach said. "His arm talent is ridiculous. There's still a lot of growth for him. He has a lot of potential. It just depends on the scheme fit and there's a lot of development from a mental standpoint."

A scouting director suggested Ward would've been a top-12 pick if this version of him was available in the 2024 draft."

"He has a live arm, a lot of pure arm talent," they said. "He has a clean slate with injuries. I like how he's wired. I was impressed with him."

One offensive coordinator also pointed to a belief that Sanders is "not overly mobile," which is "where Cam really separates from him."

But the gap between Sanders and the next-best QB is massive. Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart is 57th overall, and Ohio State's Will Howard is the only other one to crack the top 75.

Still, the position's value and the added benefit of having a fifth-year team option for players selected in the first round mean one or more QBs could be taken earlier than their ranking warrants.

In addition to Ward and Sanders, Dart was projected as a first-rounder in B/R's most recent mock draft. Alabama's Jalen Milroe (No. 34) narrowly missed the cut.

At the end of the day, there is a downside for a general manager to gamble on a QB he doesn't necessarily love as a prospect. The opportunity cost for a first-round pick that doesn't hit is very high.

Perhaps that will be a decisive factor for the teams that have no realistic path to land Ward or Sanders.