Historically, quarterbacks get the most interest from general managers across the league regarding the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Since 2018, six out of the seven No. 1 overall picks have been quarterbacks, with defensive end Travon Walker being the lone exception in 2022.
The 2025 draft will presumably follow a similar trajectory. The Tennessee Titans have long been rumored to draft Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders with the first pick.
For those following Ward and Sanders as the draft approaches, it’s clear the duo doesn’t lack self-confidence. Neither does former Louisville standout QB Tyler Shough.
Louisville QB Tyler Shough Boldly Compares Himself to NFL MVP, Super Bowl Champ
According to PFSNs latest mock draft, Shough is projected to be selected with the No. 83 pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The mock draft has Shough as the fifth-ranked quarterback behind Ward, Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milroe.
In an interview with ESPN’s NFL Live, Shough compared himself to notable veteran NFL quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen.
“That’s pretty unique because I’ve always said in these meetings, for me I grew up watching [Matthew] Stafford,” Shough said in an interview with NFL Live. “The stuff that he does with his arm angles. He’s a tough son of a gun. He’s playing through a lot of stuff, and he’s been around, and he’s playing really well into his late thirties. I’ve always really liked him.
“I also like watching Josh Allen. I kind of feel I have a little bit of him in me when it comes to being a physical force at the line of scrimmage and ripping the ball down the field. I would say those two guys come to mind of who I watch the most.”
These are lofty comparisons. Stafford led the 2021 Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl and has amassed 59,809 passing yards. Allen has a 76-34 professional career record and was named AP NFL Most Valuable Player last season.
Tyler Shough’s PFSN NFL Draft Summary
In February, PFSN’s Reece Decker believed teams would hesitate to pull the trigger on Shough early in the draft due to his age.
“Teams will likely struggle to justify investing significant draft capital in Shough at 25 years old, as they won’t have the same runway to develop him or build around him compared to younger quarterbacks in this class. Players like Jaxson Dart (21), Quinn Ewers (21), Ward (22), Jalen Milroe (22), Will Howard (23), and Sanders (23) are all at least two years younger, making them more attractive long-term investments.”
“For further perspective, Jalen Hurts (currently 26 years old) has already played five NFL seasons, made two Super Bowl appearances, and won Super Bowl 59. If Shough had followed a traditional trajectory, he’d already be on his second NFL contract. Instead, he waits to find his first opportunity at the next level.”
Some general managers will view Shough’s age as a positive and point to his maturity, while some may stay away based on believing he’s already maxed out on his potential. The 2025 NFL Draft takes place April 24-26.