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, Titans: Landing in Tennessee presents an immediate opportunity for Ward. While the Titans’ receiving corps is a work in progress, Ward’s talent and the team’s need for a long-term answer at quarterback give him a chance to see the field early. His fantasy upside in 2025 will depend on how quickly he adapts to the NFL and the development of his receiving targets. Long-term, if he establishes himself as the starter, he could offer QB2 potential in Superflex leagues due to his arm talent.
Jaxson Dart, Giants: Dart finds himself in an interesting situation in New York. The presence of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston means his path to immediate playing time is unclear. However, the Giants’ quarterback situation has been unstable, and Dart’s dual-threat ability (over 1,500 rushing yards in college) provides intrigue for his long-term dynasty outlook. In redraft leagues, he’s likely a low-end QB3 in Superflex formats, but his dynasty value is higher as a potential future starter.
Tyler Shough, Saints: Shough’s landing spot in New Orleans could offer a quicker path to playing time than some other rookies, with some suggesting he could even start a significant portion of the season. He possesses a strong arm and will have talented receivers like Chris Olave to target. However, a decline in his rushing production in his final college season limits his fantasy ceiling. He projects as a potential streaming option or QB3 in deeper leagues, with his overall upside capped unless his rushing ability returns.
Jalen Milroe, Seahawks: Milroe joins a Seahawks team with Sam Darnold and Drew Lock ahead of him on the depth chart, making his 2025 redraft value minimal. However, his rushing upside is significant, drawing comparisons to Lamar Jackson. He’s a high-upside stash in dynasty leagues, particularly in Superflex formats, as he develops as a passer. If he eventually gets a starting opportunity, his legs could make him a fantasy difference-maker, though his accuracy needs improvement.
Dillon Gabriel, Browns: Gabriel faces a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. While he had a productive college career, his smaller stature is a concern for some NFL scouts. His path to playing time in 2025 seems difficult, making him a long-shot for redraft leagues. In dynasty, he’s a deeper stash with an uncertain long-term outlook.
Shedeur Sanders, Browns: Sanders also lands in Cleveland, creating an intriguing quarterback competition down the line. While he possesses poise and talent, concerns about holding the ball too long and taking sacks need to be addressed. His draft capital (fifth round) suggests he’s not expected to be an immediate starter. In dynasty leagues, he’s a risk-reward prospect, but his current ADP in rookie drafts might be too high given the uncertainty.
Kyle McCord, Eagles: McCord joins a stable quarterback situation in Philadelphia behind Jalen Hurts. This landing spot is ideal for his development as he won’t be pressured to start immediately. While this hurts his 2025 redraft value, it’s a positive for his long-term potential in dynasty leagues. He’ll have time to learn and develop his strong arm and pocket awareness.
Will Howard, Steelers: Howard lands in Pittsburgh, where there currently is uncertainty at the quarterback position. While his path to immediate starting is unclear, the Steelers have been searching for a long-term quarterback. His size and college production offer some intrigue for his dynasty outlook, but his 2025 redraft value is minimal unless injuries occur ahead of him.
Riley Leonard, Colts: Leonard joins the Colts behind Anthony Richardson and veteran Daniel Jones. His rushing ability is his most intriguing fantasy asset, but his development as a passer is a question mark. This landing spot allows him time to develop, but his 2025 redraft value is low. In dynasty leagues, he’s a deeper stash with upside if he can improve his passing and potentially become a starter down the line.
Graham Mertz, Texans: Mertz lands in Houston behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills. His high completion percentage in college came on mostly shorter throws, and his athleticism is limited. This landing spot means he’s unlikely to see significant playing time in 2025 unless injuries occur. He’s not worth a roster spot in redraft leagues and is a low-ceiling prospect in dynasty formats.
Cam Miller, Raiders: Miller joins the Raiders as a potential third quarterback. While he had impressive stats at the FCS level, his arm strength is a concern for the NFL. Behind Geno Smith and Aidan O’Connell, his path to playing time is difficult, limiting his fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty leagues. He’s a deep, speculative dynasty stash at best.
Kurtis Rourke, 49ers: Rourke lands in an ideal system in San Francisco to potentially develop as a backup. While not possessing a big arm, his timing and accuracy are strengths that fit the 49ers’ offense. However, recovering from a torn ACL might limit his availability early on. He’s a deeper dynasty prospect with limited redraft value behind Brock Purdy.
Quinn Ewers, Dolphins: Ewers, once a highly touted prospect, lands in Miami behind Tua Tagovailoa. His college production and injury history raise concerns. In this stable quarterback situation, Ewers is unlikely to see significant playing time in 2025. He’s a speculative dynasty stash with potential upside but shouldn’t be a priority in redraft leagues.
