The talk of quarterback prospects at the NFL Draft has consistently involved Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jaxson Dart. However, one NFL head coach apparently believes one name in this quarterback class will be the best, and it is not any of the three aforementioned names.
If Not Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, or Jaxson Dart, Then Who?
The New Orleans Saints have found themselves in a bit of a situation at the quarterback position. Recently, it has been revealed that Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that may impact his availability for the 2025 season. Carr has two years left on his recently restructured deal, but the question now is who fills in for him. The other question is, will his fill-in be permanent?
The answer could lie in the NFL Draft, which takes place in a few weeks and begins on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisc. However, one NFL Insider for “The Athletic,” Dianna Russini, says she spoke with an NFL Head Coach who believes that neither Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, or Jaxson Dart will be the best quarterback of the class. That title, this coach believes, goes to Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough.
Russini posted on “X”, “Recently I spoke with an NFL head coach who believes Shough will become the best QB in this class. Shough was with the Saints today.”
Recently I spoke with an NFL head coach who believes Shough will become the best QB in this class.
Shough was with the Saints today. https://t.co/DoxySYtkUi
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 11, 2025
Russini does not mention which NFL Head Coach she spoke to, but it is vital to question if that could have been new Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore. Moore has his hands full early on in his Saints tenure as he has to figure out a plan under center with Derek Carr potentially on the shelf. Could that plan be Tyler Shough?
Shough is a name not mentioned nearly enough despite his campaign for the Cardinals this past year. He finished his lone year in Louisville with 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. That includes a QBR of 75.5 and a completion percentage of 62.7%.
The Chandler, Ariz. native spent three seasons each with the Oregon Ducks and Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2018-2023, making a total of 20 starts. It was not until this last season in Louisville that he started all 12 games and led the Cardinals to an 8-4 record. This included an upset win over Clemson and a huge game against Miami in which he tossed four touchdowns with no interceptions in the 52-45 loss.
Tyler Shough’s NFL Draft Outlook
PSFN’s Reese Decker highlights Shough’s unfortunate injury history, though a healthy 2024 campaign helped his draft stock. Decker also highlights the Louisville product’s arm strength, accuracy, poise, and release, saying he “throws like a true gunslinger.”
Injury history dominates the weaknesses of his game, but this 2024 campaign may have changed the mind of at least one Head Coach. Outside of decision-making that can come with reps, Shough will be an interesting prospect to watch the development of wherever he may land.
The odds of seeing him on the field sooner seem higher should New Orleans pick him up. He may not be a Round 1 pick, but someone believes in Shough enough to think he will be the quarterback steal of the draft. Shough will find out which team will take that leap of faith in him in just a few short weeks at the NFL Draft.
PSFN predicts Tyler Shough to go to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 3 of the NFL Draft.