Nov 23, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord (6) runs out of the pocket within the first quarter in opposition to the Connecticut Huskies on the JMA Wi-fi Dome. Obligatory Credit score: Mark Konezny-Imagn Pictures Shedeur Sanders, Cameron Ward and Carson Beck aren’t missing for consideration from the NFL scouting neighborhood.
However there’s no scarcity of depth past the first-round targets on this yr’s class.
Depth is a buzzword for the 2025 NFL Draft. The backlog of gamers with COVID eligibility is marked out for NFL supply and consists of round 20 senior quarterbacks who may obtain draft-worthy grades.
It’s unlikely that any quarterback drafted as late as, say, Brock Purdy, will final as a long-term starter.
However listed below are 5 of these seniors who might be drafted within the fourth spherical or later and finally make an affect within the NFL.
Kyle McCord, Syracuse
A two-year starter who noticed his manufacturing take off after transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse, McCord was dynamic this season. His turnover issues have been extra exaggerated, which limits his perceived ceiling. A five-interception efficiency in opposition to Pittsburgh in the course of the season looms giant as decision-makers wrestle with McCord’s closing grade. He has the processing expertise and ball placement from the pocket to develop right into a low-end NFL starter.
Donovan Smith, Houston
Nov 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys security Trey Rucker (9) tackles Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) in the course of the first half at TDECU Stadium. credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports activities Among the best bodily specimens within the class, Smith had a rocky season and won’t reside as much as his preseason third-round grade. He was benched midway by way of the 2024 season however stands a powerful 6-foot-4, 237 kilos, with commendable arm expertise and athleticism. Maybe he’s drafted late as a developmental guess or tight finish convert. The vary of potential outcomes is kind of extensive, however Smith’s traits will make him one to look at among the many lower-rung quarterbacks on this yr’s class.
Cam Miller, North Dakota State
Coming into the yr, Miller was considered because the second-best FCS senior passer. He leaves because the clear favourite after an enormous season that just about included upsetting Colorado within the season opener. A barely undersized passer who makes up for it along with his capability to increase performs and really feel for making throws off platform, Miller compares favorably to former Bison and 2019 fifth-round choose Easton Stick. He’ll seemingly have to discover a weak or injury-ridden quarterback room to get his probability.
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) scrambles in opposition to the Texas Longhorns in the course of the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Pictures Much like Commanders backup Hint McSorley (Penn State), some groups are contemplating Pavia for a place swap given his toughness and motion expertise. He’s a below-average passer with a restricted arm and inconsistent accuracy, however he labored properly inside Vanderbilt’s scheme and located methods to increase performs or discover additional yardage as a runner. If he does discover success, it should seemingly be transferring to a unique place, however Pavia additionally thrives with a resilient and passionate model and covets being missed.
Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State
Projected as a mid-rounder in August, Gronowski’s 2024 marketing campaign fell flat. His accuracy was a difficulty and he didn’t do as a lot harm exterior the pocket, though there’s nonetheless an opportunity he can lead the Jackrabbits to a different nationwide championship. He’s a throwback passer with good power and really feel within the pocket, and the psychological elements of his recreation translate properly to the following stage.
