As the countdown continues to the 2025 NFL Draft, only 100 days remain, and football analysts are gearing up for what could be a transformative event for several franchises. In this episode of "With the First Pick," Ryan Wilson and Rick Spielman delve deep into quarterback rankings, draft predictions, and potential team fits. As they analyze various prospects, they assess the decisions made by some prominent players opting to return to school rather than pursue an immediate NFL career.
Ryan Wilson kicks off the conversation by underscoring the significance of the upcoming NFL Draft, characterized by a plethora of staying college prospects alongside those declaring early. This episode places heavy emphasis on quarterback rankings, promising insights into draft ranges, pro comparisons, and team fits for seven quarterbacks, including those who decided to return to school for another season.
First on the list is Cam Ward, who has come on strong throughout the season. After initially being critiqued for playing “hero ball,” Ward has shown growth and confidence in his abilities. Spielman emphasizes Ward's mobility and ability to extend plays as key factors in his ascent in the rankings. They agree that his draft position could range from number one to the top two picks, primarily driven by demand for a franchise quarterback.
Pro Comparison: Spielman likens Ward to a "better version of Tyrod Taylor," while Wilson takes a bolder approach, comparing him to Jay Cutler for his arm strength and athleticism.
Next, they discuss Shadur Sanders, the son of coach Deion Sanders at Colorado. Both hosts observe that he displays incredible passing talent but must learn to make quicker decisions to excel at the next level. Sanders is viewed as a top-two pick due to his unique skill set, despite the fact that he was viewed as a possible third or fourth-round pick in last year's draft.
Key Insight: They underscore the importance of quarterback performance in playoff situations, as the January showcase can significantly influence draft stock.
Coming in at number three is Jaylen Milroe from Alabama, whose raw athleticism and arm talent capture the attention of analysts. Still, Spielman warns that Milroe needs to refine his processing abilities in order to succeed in a pro-style offense. If he finds the right scheme to showcase his skills, he could emerge as a valuable pick.
4. Jackson Dart
Often underestimated due to his tough situation at Ole Miss, Jackson Dart is ranked fourth. Spielman recognizes Dart’s toughness but urges concern over his inconsistency and accuracy. There’s an acknowledgment that Dart has more than enough talent to play in the NFL, but his reliance on wide-open targets raises questions about his readiness.
Ranked fifth is Quinn Ewers, whose campaign at Texas may have underwhelmed in comparison to expectations. Spielman feels that returning to college for another year could benefit Ewers, allowing him to sharpen his skills and perhaps avoid the pitfalls of being a low-first-round pick. Wilson and Spielman agree that, although Ewers has a solid arm, he may not be ready yet for the NFL’s rigors.
Next, Wilson and Spielman spotlight Will Howard and Kyle McCord, with Howard earning praise for his improved performance and physicality. They discuss Howard’s leadership qualities and assert that he could well surprise scouts when the draft arrives. Meanwhile, McCord’s transition from Ohio State to Syracuse showcases his development. Although inconsistent at Ohio State, he emerged as a more confident player at Syracuse.
Players Returning to College
The hosts further review players that opted to return to school, including top prospects like Garrett Nussmeier and Kade Klubnik, and reflect on the strategic choices made by these young quarterbacks. They argue that staying in college may have been the prudent decision, allowing them to elevate their draft stock.
In this episode’s mailbag section, Wilson and Spielman answer fan queries related to quarterback situations around the league, including whether the Titans should stick with Will Levis or move on from him. They emphasize that it's crucial for franchises not to tank for a better draft class because the unpredictability of collegiate players makes it a risky strategy.
Lastly, they conclude with bold predictions about the upcoming draft, hinting at potential surprises, including how high certain prospects, like the tight end from Penn State, could climb in the selection order.
As discussion unfolds around the intricacies of QB rankings and the 2025 NFL Draft, it is evident that talent varies greatly among the college ranks, and decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of many teams. The excitement surrounding the draft season is palpable, and with only days remaining until the event, the anticipation grows for what will surely be a momentous occasion in the football world.
Part 1/9:
Examining the 2025 NFL Draft Quarterback Class
As the countdown continues to the 2025 NFL Draft, only 100 days remain, and football analysts are gearing up for what could be a transformative event for several franchises. In this episode of "With the First Pick," Ryan Wilson and Rick Spielman delve deep into quarterback rankings, draft predictions, and potential team fits. As they analyze various prospects, they assess the decisions made by some prominent players opting to return to school rather than pursue an immediate NFL career.
The 2025 Draft Landscape
Part 2/9:
Ryan Wilson kicks off the conversation by underscoring the significance of the upcoming NFL Draft, characterized by a plethora of staying college prospects alongside those declaring early. This episode places heavy emphasis on quarterback rankings, promising insights into draft ranges, pro comparisons, and team fits for seven quarterbacks, including those who decided to return to school for another season.
Top Quarterback Prospects
1. Cam Ward
Part 3/9:
First on the list is Cam Ward, who has come on strong throughout the season. After initially being critiqued for playing “hero ball,” Ward has shown growth and confidence in his abilities. Spielman emphasizes Ward's mobility and ability to extend plays as key factors in his ascent in the rankings. They agree that his draft position could range from number one to the top two picks, primarily driven by demand for a franchise quarterback.
Pro Comparison: Spielman likens Ward to a "better version of Tyrod Taylor," while Wilson takes a bolder approach, comparing him to Jay Cutler for his arm strength and athleticism.
2. Shadur Sanders
Part 4/9:
Next, they discuss Shadur Sanders, the son of coach Deion Sanders at Colorado. Both hosts observe that he displays incredible passing talent but must learn to make quicker decisions to excel at the next level. Sanders is viewed as a top-two pick due to his unique skill set, despite the fact that he was viewed as a possible third or fourth-round pick in last year's draft.
Key Insight: They underscore the importance of quarterback performance in playoff situations, as the January showcase can significantly influence draft stock.
3. Jaylen Milroe
Part 5/9:
Coming in at number three is Jaylen Milroe from Alabama, whose raw athleticism and arm talent capture the attention of analysts. Still, Spielman warns that Milroe needs to refine his processing abilities in order to succeed in a pro-style offense. If he finds the right scheme to showcase his skills, he could emerge as a valuable pick.
4. Jackson Dart
Often underestimated due to his tough situation at Ole Miss, Jackson Dart is ranked fourth. Spielman recognizes Dart’s toughness but urges concern over his inconsistency and accuracy. There’s an acknowledgment that Dart has more than enough talent to play in the NFL, but his reliance on wide-open targets raises questions about his readiness.
5. Quinn Ewers
Part 6/9:
Ranked fifth is Quinn Ewers, whose campaign at Texas may have underwhelmed in comparison to expectations. Spielman feels that returning to college for another year could benefit Ewers, allowing him to sharpen his skills and perhaps avoid the pitfalls of being a low-first-round pick. Wilson and Spielman agree that, although Ewers has a solid arm, he may not be ready yet for the NFL’s rigors.
Up-and-Coming Names: Will Howard and Kyle McCord
Part 7/9:
Next, Wilson and Spielman spotlight Will Howard and Kyle McCord, with Howard earning praise for his improved performance and physicality. They discuss Howard’s leadership qualities and assert that he could well surprise scouts when the draft arrives. Meanwhile, McCord’s transition from Ohio State to Syracuse showcases his development. Although inconsistent at Ohio State, he emerged as a more confident player at Syracuse.
Players Returning to College
The hosts further review players that opted to return to school, including top prospects like Garrett Nussmeier and Kade Klubnik, and reflect on the strategic choices made by these young quarterbacks. They argue that staying in college may have been the prudent decision, allowing them to elevate their draft stock.
Part 8/9:
Mailbag Segment: Fan Questions and Predictions
In this episode’s mailbag section, Wilson and Spielman answer fan queries related to quarterback situations around the league, including whether the Titans should stick with Will Levis or move on from him. They emphasize that it's crucial for franchises not to tank for a better draft class because the unpredictability of collegiate players makes it a risky strategy.
Lastly, they conclude with bold predictions about the upcoming draft, hinting at potential surprises, including how high certain prospects, like the tight end from Penn State, could climb in the selection order.
Conclusion
Part 9/9:
As discussion unfolds around the intricacies of QB rankings and the 2025 NFL Draft, it is evident that talent varies greatly among the college ranks, and decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of many teams. The excitement surrounding the draft season is palpable, and with only days remaining until the event, the anticipation grows for what will surely be a momentous occasion in the football world.