The 2025 NFL Draft continues, and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has yet to be picked. Who are the five signal-callers who have already been selected?
Which QBs Were Picked Before Shedeur Sanders?
Sanders was in the first overall pick conversation early in the pre-draft process. He settled into the QB2 spot, but has fallen through the third round.
His on-field production speaks for itself. Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns while leading FBS with a 74.0% completion rate in 2024. However, there are concerns about his arm strength and average athleticism. Many pundits recognize his toughness and pinpoint accuracy, but aren’t sure his overall game will translate to the NFL.
Let’s look at the five quarterbacks taken before Sanders.
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans, No. 1
Cam Ward was the heavy favorite for the first overall pick heading into Night 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Tennessee Titans didn’t waste time selecting the Miami product. He was highly productive throughout his five years in college, including in 2024 when he posted 4,313 yards and led the FBS with 39 touchdowns.
PFSN’s Ian Cummings wrote, “With his ball handling and smooth distribution style, he can command the quick game, and with his playmaking propensity, he can make big-time throws in adverse situations.
“It’s tough to pin down a pro comparison for Ward, but if he can continue to hone his gunslinger predisposition for maximum efficiency and lower volatility, he could grow to be mentioned in the same breath as the game’s best creators at QB today.”
Jaxson Dart, New York Giants, No. 25
The New York Giants tried multiple times to trade back into the first round and finally found a partner with the Houston Texans. Jaxson Dart was widely ranked lower than Sanders but was the second quarterback off the board. He improved every year at Ole Miss, culminating with 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024.
Cummings mentioned how Lane Kiffin’s offense inflates quarterback protection in his report, writing, “The big question: How translatable is his game to the pros? There are flashes of window anticipation on film, but NFL progression work is scant, and he often drops his eyes under pressure. Starter potential is there, but he has work to do before he harnesses it.”
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints, No. 40
Tyler Shough rose up draft rankings late in the process and ended up as the third quarterback taken. The New Orleans Saints were in the QB market since news about Derek Carr’s shoulder injury came out, and got their guy with the 25-year-old Shough. His age and injury history were the two things pushing Shough down draft boards, but he didn’t have to wait long.
PFSN’s Reese Decker wrote, “Shough has a prototype build at 6’5”, 225 pounds, a live arm that can make any throw on the field with precision, can operate efficiently in rhythm or extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws on the run, and has experience having complete command of an offense, handling pre-snap adjustments, and working through progressions — all of which will aid him at the next level.”
Jalen Milroe, Seattle Seahawks, No. 92
Jalen Milroe is undoubtedly the best athlete in this year’s quarterback class. He’s a prototypical dual-threat player who totaled 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns passing, while adding 726 yards and 20 scores on the ground. Milroe is a unique prospect who could revolutionize the Seattle Seahawks’ offense.
Cummings wrote, “Milroe has all of the raw talent to be a future NFL starter. He’s a superlative athlete and competitor with blistering speed, explosiveness, and agility. He also has an extremely strong arm with good angle freedom and elasticity. Going further, NFL teams will be sold on Milroe’s toughness and resolve as a leader.”
Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns, No. 94
The Cleveland Browns entered the 2025 NFL Draft in need of a quarterback but waited until late in the third round to add one. They selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, making him the fifth quarterback taken. He was one of the most productive quarterbacks in FBS history over his six years in college. Gabriel’s size and age were concerns entering the draft.
PFSN’s Jacob Infante wrote, “What you see is what you get with Gabriel. He’s an experienced quarterback with a natural sense of timing and anticipation behind his throws. He’s accurate, he’s athletic, and he’s reliable in the short-to-intermediate ranges. As far as a pure game-manager quarterback goes, he’s as steady as they come at the collegiate level.
Infante noted that Gabriel “does all the little things well,” but recognized that he likely will never be “the guy” in the NFL. The first four going before Sanders can be logically explained, but Gabriel’s selection makes this precipitous fall that much more embarrassing.