Where Does 2025 QB Class Rank vs 2024 NFL Draft?

Over the weekend, we all were witness to the 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams losing to the No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels on a last-play Hail Mary where Daniels bought time for nearly 10 seconds and heaved the football down to the end zone where it was tipped into the waiting arms of Noah Brown. 

No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye has started two games and flashed his top-level talent; hopefully, his injury isn’t too serious. Then, the sixth quarterback taken in the top 12, Bo Nix, leads a Denver Broncos team that surprisingly sits at 5-3. Watching both the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons offenses, we can envision what it’ll be like when J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. take the helm. 

While there were some shockers, the talent in that draft class forced teams to be aggressive and target these players early. In the end, it was the most quarterbacks drafted in a round in the common draft era. Let’s quickly remind ourselves of the draft order:

• Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears, Round 1, Pick 1 overall
• Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders, Round 1, Pick 2 overall
• Drake Maye - New England Patriots, Round 1, Pick 3 overall
• Michael Penix Jr. - Atlanta Falcons, Round 1, Pick 8 overall
• J.J. McCarthy - Minnesota Vikings, Round 1, Pick 10 overall
• Bo Nix - Denver Broncos, Round 1, Pick 12 overall

But where would the 2025 crop of quarterbacks fall in the 2024 draft class? I’m glad you asked.

Currently, two quarterbacks are viewed as the top of the class, with Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward battling each week to take the top spot. They both have the talent to be first-round picks even in 2024, but where? After the top three picks, Williams, Daniels, and Maye, there was a break in the talent level. This is where the discussion begins with Sanders and Ward. 

Sanders is my QB1 in this draft class. When I look at his ability to win from the pocket with timing, ball placement, and pocket feel paired with the upside of getting outside of the pocket and making plays, I’d have him comfortably ahead of Penix.

With Ward’s emergence this season, he’s thrown his hat into the ring for first-round discussion. From a talent level, he’s a better prospect than Penix, but is his one year of success smoke and mirrors? He’s shown head-scratching decision-making occasionally this season but has made considerable strides in all aspects of his game, and I’d also draft him over Penix.

If NFL teams treat this quarterback class as they did in 2024, then this is where it gets tricky. I didn’t have first-round grades on Penix, McCarthy, or Nix, but all three were top-12 picks anyway. 

Next on my quarterback list is Garrett Nussmeier, who has been making headlines in recent weeks. The talent level is there for Nussmeier, but would go with Penix in front and slot him in front of McCarthy on the list. 

The last quarterback that could throw himself into first-round conversation is Jalen Milroe, with his raw traits at the position. He’s got NFL size, arm talent, and elite athleticism to change the math a defense needs on any play, but the discomfort and inexperience in a new offense has shown itself in recent weeks with some poor performances. We see NFL front offices take chances on talent in every draft, and given McCarthy’s talent, execution of an “NFL” offense, and execution on a third-down basis, I’d have to put Milroe behind him. I’d slot him above Nix in that class as well. 

Your “New Look” 2024 NFL quarterback class:

1. Caleb Williams
2. Jayden Daniels
3. Drake Maye
4. Shedeur Sanders
5. Cam Ward
6. Michael Penix Jr.
7. Garrett Nussmeier
8. J.J. McCarthy
9. Jalen Milroe
10. Bo Nix

Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck were considered, but neither has stepped up enough or has the raw physical skill set to be dual threats at the next level that warrant first-round consideration. I’m sure everyone agrees with this list and has no notes, but I ask you, how do YOU think this quarterback class would fare in 2024?