The 2025 NFL Draft brought in an intriguing class of rookie quarterbacks, each landing in a unique situation with varying implications for their immediate and long-term fantasy football value.
Navigating their potential is crucial for both redraft and dynasty league managers.
Let’s break down the key prospects, analyze their landing spots, and project their fantasy football outlook for the upcoming season and beyond.
Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans): Ward’s dynasty outlook has become a bit more volatile after a rough start to training camp, including a practice where he threw multiple interceptions and was consistently off-target. While these struggles can be expected for a rookie, it’s a concern that he’s already having a “worst day yet” with joint practices approaching. His long-term fantasy value remains tied to his draft capital and rushing upside, but a slow start to camp suggests a potential learning curve that could delay his ascent to fantasy stardom.
Jaxson Dart (New York Giants): Dart’s dynasty stock is on the rise as he’s reportedly making strides in training camp, with the “game starting to slow down” for him. While he’s likely to begin the season as a backup to Russell Wilson, he is in a competition with Jameis Winston and Tommy DeVito for the primary backup role. If he can secure the QB2 job, his development and high-upside dual-threat abilities could position him to challenge for the starting role sooner than expected.
Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints): With Derek Carr unexpectedly retiring, Tyler Shough is now competing for the starting job and has shown flashes in training camp, including leading a touchdown drive. His fantasy value has increased dramatically with the opportunity to win the starting role, making him an interesting risk/reward option for fantasy managers who believe he can beat out the competition.
Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks): Milroe is a high-risk, high-reward dynasty prospect whose elite rushing ability gives him a very high ceiling. He’s been “throwing nukes” in training camp and showing off his arm strength, which could help him develop as a passer. However, his long-term fantasy value is still tied to his development as a passer, and he will likely spend his rookie season behind Sam Darnold.
Dillon Gabriel (Cleveland Browns): Gabriel’s dynasty outlook is currently in flux due to a hamstring injury that has limited his participation in training camp. With the starting job wide open, he’s lost valuable practice reps, giving Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett a chance to gain an advantage. His fantasy value is a low-risk gamble, but the crowded quarterback room and recent injury make his path to fantasy relevance even more uncertain.
Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns): Sanders is facing an uphill battle in Cleveland’s crowded quarterback room, and an arm soreness issue that sidelined him from practice is a major red flag. For a late-round quarterback, every rep is crucial, and missed time could cost him a roster spot. His dynasty value has taken a hit, and he is a deep dynasty stash at best.
Kyle McCord (Philadelphia Eagles): McCord’s dynasty value remains very low. As a late-round pick behind an entrenched starter in Jalen Hurts, he has no clear path to a starting job. He is a deep taxi-squad candidate only in the deepest of leagues.
Will Howard (Pittsburgh Steelers): Howard has been a pleasant surprise in training camp, impressing with both his arm and his running ability. With Aaron Rodgers sitting out some practices, Howard has taken advantage of the increased reps. His strong performance could create a discussion about him competing for the QB2 job, which would significantly increase his dynasty value as a high-upside long-term stash.
Riley Leonard (Indianapolis Colts): Leonard’s dynasty outlook is minimal. He is currently working with the third-string group in training camp and has a long way to go in his development. While he has some positive intangibles, his low draft capital and the presence of Anthony Richardson make him a longshot to ever become a fantasy-relevant starter.
Graham Mertz (Houston Texans): Mertz’s dynasty value is minimal due to a season-ending ACL tear he suffered in college. He’s a developmental project and offers little to no fantasy upside behind C.J. Stroud. He is a pure taxi-squad dart throw with a very low probability of ever being fantasy-relevant.
Cam Miller (Las Vegas Raiders): Miller is a deep dynasty sleeper with some intriguing college production and dual-threat ability. He is competing for the QB3 spot behind Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell and has expressed a desire to “make the most of every opportunity.” While his fantasy relevance is a longshot, he’s worth a look as a taxi-squad stash in deep Superflex leagues.
Kurtis Rourke (San Francisco 49ers): Rourke’s dynasty value is non-existent. He began training camp on the non-football injury list as he works his way back from an ACL tear. He is a pure developmental project and not a dynasty asset worth rostering.
Quinn Ewers (Miami Dolphins): Ewers is an interesting deep stash who has been “turning heads” in Dolphins training camp. He’s currently sitting at No. 3 on the depth chart behind Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson but is showing potential. His path to fantasy relevance is still difficult, but his strong performance in camp is a positive sign for fantasy managers willing to be patient.