The conversation around NFL quarterback prospects often hinges on comparisons, and as the 2025 draft approaches, there’s already plenty of buzz, or lack thereof… Some years, the draft pool overflows with elite talent, making choices feel like a formality. Other years, finding a true game-changer can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Jim Nagy Compares the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts
Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Senior Bowl and a seasoned NFL scout with four Super Bowl rings, recently shared a blunt assessment of the 2025 quarterbacks. Speaking about this year’s group, he said, “It’s certainly not last year. I don’t know if any of these guys would be in the top six last year.”
.@seniorbowl director Jim Nagy on the 2025 QB class in general. pic.twitter.com/v6M1sJPjrC
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 27, 2025
Those are strong words about a group of quarterbacks vying for a spotlight in a league that’s always hunting for the next franchise cornerstone. The remark, highlights a stark contrast between the perceived depth and talent of the 2025 quarterback class compared to the historic strength of 2024.
A Look Back at 2024’s Elite Six
To understand Nagy’s perspective, it’s worth revisiting the top six quarterbacks selected in the 2024 NFL Draft:
- Caleb Williams (1st overall) – The Heisman-winning USC standout dazzled with his ability to extend plays, throw from impossible angles, and lead a high-powered offense. Williams’ poise and arm talent set him apart as a generational prospect.
- Jayden Daniels (3rd overall) – The LSU dual-threat dynamo brought elite athleticism and downfield accuracy, solidifying his status as a franchise-changing player, while also proving it in the playoffs in his rookie season.
- Drake Maye (4th overall) – A prototypical pocket passer out of North Carolina, Maye’s size, arm strength, and football IQ made him an easy top-5 pick.
- Michael Penix Jr. (8th overall) – Washington’s lefty gunslinger lit up defenses with a deep ball and impeccable touch, earning his place as one of the most polished passers.
- J.J. McCarthy (14th overall) – Michigan’s leader was praised for his poise, mechanics, and leadership in pressure situations. Winning the National Championship that year didn’t hurt either.
- Bo Nix (20th overall) – The Oregon standout showed significant growth in his final collegiate season, combining athleticism and experience to round out the elite group.
Following this top six was Spencer Rattler, who went 27th overall. While his college career had its ups and downs, Rattler’s potential and arm talent made him a first-round pick.
So, how does the 2025 class compare? Early projections suggest this group lacks the same star power. Two names often mentioned as the cream of the crop are Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Washington State’s Cam Ward.
Shedeur Sanders: A Balanced Playmaker
Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has shown tremendous growth at Colorado. With a quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and an uncanny ability to read defenses, Shedeur has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in college football. However, questions about his ability to handle pressure at the NFL level linger, as does the concern over his tendency to hold onto the ball too long.
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Despite those concerns, scouts rave about his work ethic and football IQ. With another season of development, he could rise into first-round contention.
Cam Ward: The Wild Card
Miami Hurricanes (Washington State 2022-2023) Cam Ward is the wild card of the class. Known for his improvisation and ability to create plays on the move, Ward has impressed with his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy. The downside? His mechanics can be inconsistent, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities. If Ward can clean up those aspects of his game, he might force his way into the top-tier conversation.
While this year’s quarterback class might lack the sizzle of 2024’s star-studded lineup, there’s still plenty of time for them to develop and emerge as franchise-caliber players. As Jim Nagy’s extensive scouting career suggests, draft stock can rise and fall dramatically over the next few months.