Multiple NFL Teams Reportedly Have Tyler Shough Graded No. 1 QB over Cam Ward in Draft

Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough has turned a lot of heads in the weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL draft.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday "there are teams that actually have Shough rated as their top quarterback in this draft," ahead of Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.

"There are a group of teams after Tennessee that would like to address quarterback early, including the Browns, Giants, Saints and Steelers," Schefter wrote. "Cleveland also happens to own the ever-valuable No. 33 pick, the first pick at the top of Round 2, which is why the Giants or Saints could explore trading back into Round 1 to jump them. Shough is likely to land on one of these quarterback-needy teams."

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman spoke to an offensive coordinator who at least had Shough ahead of Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart.

"I'm not saying he's Joe Burrow, but he's got some Joe Burrow to him," the coach said. "I think he has the best feet in this quarterback class. I know he's had injuries, and if he didn't, I think he'd be a first-round QB."

One NFL passing game coordinator is very high on Shough as well.

"He's probably the most pro-ready to go in and run an offense and be able to operate," the assistant said to Feldman. "Some people bring up his age — nope, don't care. This isn't baseball, where you're drafting 18-year-olds. He's athletic. He's a good interview. Smart. Arm talent is good."

Shough only ranks 116th overall on Bleacher Report's big board, and he's the seventh-best QB. He was, however, projected to go 82nd to the Seattle Seahawks in B/R's most recent mock draft.

Along with his age—he'll turn 26 in September—and injury history, the Cardinals star didn't cap off his college career with a record-setting season like Burrow did at LSU. He threw for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns and had a 148.1 passer rating in 12 starts.

Still, the praise from NFL personnel speaks for itself.

Don't be surprised if Shough is off the board in the early stages of the second round and maybe even vaults into the end of Day 1.