Pewter Report analyzes the highest gamers within the 2025 NFL Draft with its place previews. Scott Reynolds begins the previews with the quarterback place, providing a complete have a look at what the Bucs have and what they want at quarterback.
Matt Matera then analyzes an in depth checklist of this yr’s high quarterback prospects whereas Reynolds offers the annual Pewter Report Bucs Finest Bets – the more than likely quarterback for the Bucs to pick in Rounds 1-3, and in Rounds 4-7.
What The Bucs Have At Quarterback
Bucs QBs Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask and RT Luke Goedeke – Picture by: USA Right this moment
Tampa Bay has top-of-the-line beginning quarterbacks within the NFL in Baker Mayfield, a two-time Professional Bowler. Mayfield had his finest season final yr and set highs in completion proportion (71.4%), passing yards (4,500) and passing touchdowns (41). Mayfield’s passing TDs had been the second-most in franchise historical past behind Tom Brady’s 43 in 2021.
Mayfield turns 30 on April 14 and nonetheless has two extra years left on his three-year contract. At $33.3 million per yr, Mayfield is among the finest values within the NFL when it comes to quarterback wage. Not solely that however Mayfield is a workforce captain and the heartbeat of the workforce together with his enthusiastic enjoying type and the power he brings to the huddle.
The Bucs have two younger quarterbacks backing Mayfield up in Kyle Trask and Michael Pratt. Trask was the workforce’s second-round choose in 2021 following Tampa Bay’s Tremendous Bowl LV victory. He was simply re-signed to an affordable, one-year deal as a result of he hardly has any enjoying expertise after backing up Brady and Mayfield over the previous 4 years. Neither beginning quarterback missed a snap throughout Trask’s first contract.
Pratt is a quarterback the Bucs virtually drafted within the seventh spherical a yr in the past however had been lucky sufficient to signal him after he was launched by the Packers within the closing roster cutdown. He ran Tampa Bay’s scout workforce final yr and served because the opposing workforce’s quarterback in follow, however can have the chance to run the Bucs offense this offseason. Pratt has moxie, mobility and a great arm, and the workforce appreciated the actual fact he was 21-3 in his final two years at Tulane.
What The Bucs Want At Quarterback
As a result of the Bucs have an important starter and two younger, creating backup quarterbacks, it’s extremely unlikely that Tampa Bay will draft a quarterback this yr. If the workforce does add it quarterback it might be within the seventh spherical so as to add a further coaching camp arm and somebody who can problem Kyle Trask and Michael Pratt for the backup job. However extra possible, the Bucs will signal an undrafted free agent QB if offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard needs a fourth arm in camp.
High Quarterbacks In 2025 NFL Draft
*Essential Observe: These gamers are NOT listed within the order of Pewter Report’s rating for them. Relatively, the numbers are supplied to indicate you the tough order during which we anticipate them to come back off the board throughout the draft.
1. Miami QB Cam Ward – RS Senior – 6-2, 219, N/A
Ward is taken into account the highest quarterback on this yr’s draft class and will probably be the one quarterback taken within the first spherical relying on the way it goes. He’s had a embellished and properly traveled profession beginning at Incarnate Phrase for 2 seasons, then enjoying at Washington State for an additional two, adopted by a fairly memorable yr at Miami with the Hurricanes.
Ward, who will possible go No. 1 total to Tennessee, can throw the ball with ease and with a ton of warmth behind it. He provides a peaceful, cool and picked up presence within the pocket. His mobility inside the pocket is unbelievable as properly, however he has to ensure he doesn’t play hero ball an excessive amount of. Ward was the ACC Offensive Participant of the Yr at Miami the place he threw for 4,313 yards and 37 touchdowns to simply seven interceptions whereas additionally dashing for 4 touchdowns. He was a Heisman finalist final season.
2. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders – Senior – 6-1, 212 – N/A
There’s little question about it that Sanders is probably the most well-known and extremely publicized quarterback on this yr’s draft class. He’s the son of NFL Corridor of Famer Deion Sanders, who coached Shedeur in highschool soccer in Texas then at Jackson State and Colorado. He threw for 70 touchdowns in two years at Jackson State, setting the college document. He then transferred to Colorado assist the Buffaloes to a few of their finest seasons in years, throwing for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns. Sanders was first-team All-Large 12 final season.
Former Jackson State and Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders – Picture by: USA Right this moment
Sanders is a really polished quarterback that is aware of the way to function an offense and perceive the place the ball has to go to on a selected play. He throws properly on the run and is ready to lead his receivers in correct spots. There could possibly be a little bit extra velocity on the throws that he delivers, plus a bit extra direct line throws than arcs. Whereas he’s cell, Sanders isn’t that explosive of a runner and tends to panic within the pocket. He has quite a lot of confidence like his dad. It’ll be intriguing to see the place he goes on this draft, as he may go within the High 10 or fall out of the primary spherical fully.
3. Ole Miss QB Jaxon Dart – Senior – 6-2, 221 – N/A
Starting his profession with USC, Dart transferred to Ole Miss and was the beginning quarterback for some high-powered offenses beneath Lane Kiffin. Dart was given a whole lot of credit score for his management potential alongside together with his on-field success. Whereas he bought higher annually, his 2024 season was his finest with a completion proportion of 69.3% whereas throwing for 4,279 yards and 26 touchdowns. He led the entire SEC in passing yards final yr.
Dart could make throws to the surface and isn’t afraid to take a deep shot. His throws are usually properly acquired by these catching it, making for a participant that others wish to work with. He can use his legs to his benefit, having 1,543 profession dashing yards with 14 touchdowns. One downside that Dart may face on the subsequent degree is coming from an RPO-style of offense that depends rather a lot on timing and deception to beat a protection. He’ll should get accustomed to working inside an NFL offensive system. Dart may go within the first spherical or on Day 2.
4. Louisville QB Tyler Shough – RS Senior – 6-5, 219 – 4.63
It’s not typically that you just see a quarterback spend seven years on the collegiate degree – and all at energy 5 packages – however that that’s the route that Tyler Shough has taken. He performed 15 profession video games at Oregon in three seasons, one other 15 video games in three seasons at Texas Tech after which one season at Louisville, the place he had the most effective yr of his profession.
Shough had 3,195 passing yards and 23 touchdowns for the Cardinals. He has nice measurement for a quarterback and may completely put some spin on the ball with ease. He’s comparatively inexperienced, although, with only one full season of beginning, and wishes turn into faster at studying and diagnosing performs. Shough’s accuracy ought to make groups as a potential Day 2 choose.
5. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe – RS Junior – 6-2, 216 – 4.40
There’s a whole lot of big-game expertise that comes from Milroe enjoying at Alabama. He’s possible the most effective runner out of all of the quarterbacks on this group together with his velocity and understanding of when to run and escape the pocket. Milroe initally backed up Bryce Younger after which grew to become a starter for the final two seasons, getting the Crimson Tide to the Rose Bowl within the 2023 season.
Milroe has rather a lot work to do as an total passer. He’s not correct with the soccer and infrequently goes to his first learn with out manipulating defenders together with his eyes that is likely to be spying on him. There’s no denying his athleticism, although. Milroe had 726 dashing yards throughout the 2024 season with a whopping 20 dashing touchdowns. However he did have a passing touchdown-to-interception disparagement of simply 16 to 11. He’s as thrilling as they arrive at quarterback and may do a whole lot of harm if he turns into a significantly better passer. Milroe is probably going a Day 3 draft prospect.
6. Texas QB Quinn Ewers – RS Junior – 6-2, 214 – N/A
Beginning for 3 years at Texas for the Longhorns, Ewers has seen a whole lot of soccer and received quite a lot of video games. There aren’t many higher than Ewers relating to discovering the proper of contact move on 10-15 yards. He additionally is aware of the way to learn defenses and make sures to do away with the ball when the stress comes.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers – Picture by: USA Right this moment
Ewers shouldn’t be a lot of a operating risk in any respect. He additionally tends to fold beneath stress when the pocket collapses with out anyplace to go. However when he has time, he could make the throws. Ewers threw for 9,128 yards and 68 touchdowns in his Texas profession.
7. Ohio State QB Will Howard – RS Senior – 6-4, 236
Howard is coming off of a nationwide championship with Ohio State. Earlier than that, he spent 4 seasons at Kansas State and actually hit his stride with the Wildcats throughout the 2022 season the place he took over because the beginning quarterback half approach by means of the season and led the Wildcats to the Large XII Championship. He grew to become the workforce captain in 2023,whereas throwing for two,643 yards, 24 touchdowns in addition to having 9 dashing scores.
As a result of he had an additional yr of eligibility, Howard transferred over to the Buckeyes and had careers bests throughout the board. That included 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns as Ohio State received the nationwide championship the place he was tabbed because the Offensive MVP. Howard has nice measurement for the NFL and has superb athleticism. He’ll lengthen performs and isn’t afraid to make large throws downfield. Howard, a mid-round draft prospect, did have fumbling points and will clear up his approach in a number of areas.
8. Syracuse QB Kyle McCord – Senior – 6-3, 218 – N/A
After three seasons at Ohio State, McCord actually discovered his footing with Syracuse and performed his finest soccer with the Orange. McCord is aware of the way to make the pre-snap reads and modify performs on the line accordingly – one thing that each NFL quarterback must discover ways to do. He has wonderful mechanics and eliminates the soccer shortly from the pocket.
Whereas different quarterbacks wrestle throwing it deep, McCord thrives at it. There’s not a lot explosiveness with him as a runner, and he additionally will get too aggressive at instances and takes pointless dangers with the soccer. McCord’s Syracuse profession noticed him throw for 4,779 passing yards, which is an ACC single-season document together with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was second workforce All-ACC final season.
9. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard – Senior – 6-4, 216 – N/A
Leonard is a gamer that may all the time maintain him workforce in it. He tends to take action together with his legs and simply by some means all the time finds methods to maintain drives going to achieve the primary down with some well timed scrambles. Leonard, who must carry out higher as a pocket passer, performed three seasons at Duke and his final yr was at Notre Dame the place they made it to the nationwide championship however fell quick to Ohio State.
In his profession, Leonard threw for 7,311 for 45 touchdowns and 18 interceptions together with 2,130 dashing yards and 36 dashing touchdowns. He could make throws to the sideline, however doesn’t have an important deep ball and takes an excessive amount of time to do away with the ball.
10. Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel – RS Senior – 5-11, 205 – N/A
Dimension is all the time going to be a problem for Gabriel, however he has nice consciousness as a quarterback. The lefty thrower will get the ball out shortly and is aware of who to go to with it. He’s cool beneath stress and is all the time preserving his eyes down discipline. Gabriel’s mobility will all the time maintain drives going.
Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel – Picture by: USA Right this moment
Gabriel is a a lot embellished quarterback as properly. He started his profession at UCF and in addition performed at Oklahoma earlier than transferring to Oregon final yr. He put up nice numbers in six seasons over 64 video games with 18, 722 passing yards, 155 touchdowns, 1,209 dashing yards and 33 dashing touchdowns. In his finals season Gabriel was a first-team All-American and a Heisman finalist, closing the e book his school profession in grand vogue.
11. Missouri QB Brady Cook dinner – RS Senior – 6-2, 214 – 4.59
Having an NFL-caliber kind of arm, Cook dinner simply isn’t as constant as one would need him to be. He has good athleticism that lets him transfer round within the pocket and proceed performs. Cook dinner has the suitable mechanics that groups need in a quarterback, it’s nearly placing all of it collectively. Cook dinner had a disappointing closing season after a promising 2023 marketing campaign.
In his profession at Mizzou he performed in 5 seasons and began in 39 of 46 video games. He threw for 9,008 yards, 49 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. When he ran the ball, Cook dinner recorded 1,209 yards and 20 dashing touchdowns. H was a workforce captain for 3 seasons.
12. Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke – RS Senior – 6-4, 220 – N/A
Beginning his profession for Ohio within the MAC convention, Rourke performed 5 seasons and actually hit his stride in 2022 and 2023 the place he was first-team All-MAC and second workforce All-MAC together with being a workforce captain for 3 seasons. He tore his ACL close to the of the 2022 season however was nonetheless capable of return for 2023 and play properly. He had an additional yr of eligibility due to the COVID season and transferred to Indiana, getting the Hoosiers to the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
In 2024 Rourke had 3,042 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns, making second workforce All-Large Ten. Rourke has some juice on the ball when he throws and it’s not too tough for him to actually spin the ball together with his fast launch. He’s additionally not afraid to throw into tight home windows. Indiana’s offense didn’t ask him to do an excessive amount of, so there are questions on him going by means of progressions and beating defenses in several methods. It could assist his case if he may additionally throw extra constantly.
Finest Of The Relaxation:
13. North Dakota State QB Cam Miller – RS Senior – 6-1, 215 – 4.82
A superb resolution maker, Miller is a balanced quarterback. He can place the ball properly for receivers to make the catch and maintain going. He’s undersized and doesn’t have the mobility to make up for it. Miller’s arm energy isn’t precisely the place it must be both. He’ll make the suitable performs, however wants some help in doing so.
14. Memphis QB Seth Henigan – Senior – 6-3, 215 – 4.76
Beginning for 4 straight years at Memphis, Henigan is properly versed on the place. He’s bought NFL measurement and the mandatory accuracy to play on the highest degree. Pocket presence isn’t a problem both. It’s arm energy which will damage him and his potential to get drafted, and his willingness to go deep with the ball to push the offense. If he finds the suitable offense, he may help out a workforce that’s in search of a dependable participant.
15. Minnesota QB Max Brosmer – RS Senior – 6-2, 218, 4.79
Brosmer spent 5 years and performed 4 seasons at New Hampshire earlier than transferring to Minnesota. He’s wonderful in breaking down performs as they’re creating and making intermediate throws. Brosmer struggles with stress coming at him and isn’t cell sufficient on account of accidents he’s had all through his profession. He’s been given a whole lot of credit score for his work ethic and simply needs to the most effective he might be.
Bucs Finest Bets – By Scott Reynolds
Rounds 1-3: Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel
The Bucs aren’t going to draft a quarterback this yr – definitely not one earlier than Day 3. And with Kyle Trask again for a fifth season in Tampa Bay together with Michael Pratt getting the prospect to indicate what he can do within the Bucs offense after spending final yr on the follow squad and working the scout workforce, it’s uncertain the workforce drafts a QB in any spherical. However the Bucs did have a casual assembly with former UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel on the NFL Scouting Mix.
The left-handed quarterback tied the NCAA document for profession TD passes with 155 and his 179 complete scores set a brand new document in school soccer. Dillon avoids errors, evidenced by his 32 profession interceptions in six years in school. At 5-foot-11, 205 kilos, Dillon has a Baker Mayfield-esque body, and he ought to be a mid-round choose. Will or not it’s in Tampa Bay? It’s uncertain given the workforce’s wants on protection, however Gabriel is a gamer and could be a terrific understudy behind Mayfield.
Rounds 4-7: Texas State QB Jordan McCloud
Tampa Bay may wish to add one other proficient quarterback to the combination given the dearth of enjoying time Kyle Trask has had within the common season and Michael Pratt’s unproven nature within the Bucs offense. The workforce has proven some curiosity in McCloud, a former USF QB and Tampa native at his Texas State professional day. After two years at USF, McCloud transferred to Arizona and sat out the 2022 season earlier than beginning at James Madison in 2023 the place the finished 68.2% of his passes for 3,657 yards with 35 TDs and 10 interceptions.
Final yr, McCloud moved on to Texas State the place he accomplished 70.2% of his passes for 3,227 yards with 30 TDs and 13 INTs. Recognized extra as a pocket passer than a scrambler, the 6-foot, 200-pound McCloud did rush for 20 touchdowns in his 5 years enjoying QB, together with 15 over the past two seasons. McCloud will possible go undrafted, however don’t be shocked if he winds up returns residence and winds up as an undrafted free agent signing in Tampa Bay.
