With the NFL draft just over a week away, experts are studying the top signal-callers that can determine the league’s fate for the next decade. QBASE projections CPOTY Alum Cam Ward as the class of 2025 quarterback crop. In only 4 years as a career record and 158 touchdown passes in the FBS, he was an impressive dude. Ranked 79th by Scouts Inc. Ward’s impressive all-around showing made him another of the draft’s top prospects.
The Las Vegas Raiders took the cake with their truly audacious swap for Geno Smith. This trade speaks volumes of their unequivocal confidence in his ability to helm this team going forward. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks have opted to replace Smith with Sam Darnold, suggesting a shift in strategy as they bolster their quarterback lineup. The Tennessee Titans did so when they chose Bryce Young first overall. Young’s trip has been impressive — in more ways than one. Though he was a three-year starter at Alabama, he wasn’t considered a future top 100 pick at any point during his four-year career at Kansas State.
Though Bryce Young is certainly deserving of the hype, he isn’t the only intriguing player in this loaded QB class. Prime time quarterback Shedeur Sanders has made headlines of his own — accomplishing a career FBS completion percentage record at 71.8%. His projected draft position is right in line with that of Cam Ward, which goes to show just how competitive these young upstarts can be. If Sanders’ standing were to match Ward’s, their QBASE projections would show a wider margin in their expected vote.
And the New York Giants have improved their roster by signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to their new team. This addition further confirms their commitment to improving the depth behind their starting quarterback. To the surprise of many, the New York Jets have added QB Justin Fields to their lineup. This decision further emphasizes the changing development pipeline and utilization of quarterbacking talent throughout the NFL.
Draft analysts are still deciding if any of these four quarterbacks have what it takes to be successful in the NFL. The varying paths taken by players like Young and Ward illustrate the unpredictable nature of college football transitioning to professional play. Pronouncements about draft strategy aside, these are important times for teams laying the groundwork for success, or otherwise.
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