Quarterbacks have been flying off the board in recent NFL Drafts — and not just in the first round. Combining the classes from the 2023 and 2024 drafts, 25 quarterbacks were selected through all seven rounds in only two years.
The reasoning is simple: Every team is looking to upgrade their QB room, either with potential franchise starters, sneaky backup types, or developmental projects with upside. It’s cheap to take a shot on a rookie QB at some point in a draft, and with that low risk, there’s a chance for high reward, from an unexpected gem to a key trade piece.
Here’s looking at the teams that should have quarterback most in mind when they’re on the clock from April 24-26.
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Which teams will draft a QB in 2025 NFL Draft?
The locks
Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward is their guy right at the top at No. 1 overall. The Miami prospect has plenty of franchise QB promise with his arm and athleticism as the Titans end the experiment with Will Levis.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have been attached most to Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart in Round 1 and Texas’ Quinn Ewers a little later on Day 2. The Aaron Rodgers situation isn’t progressing, and the team can’t just sit on current fill-in Mason Rudolph and newcomer Skylar Thompson. Should Shedeur Sanders slip in the first round to No. 21, they should be ready to pounce.
New York Jets
The Jets spent a good amount to test out Justin Fields as a potential long-term solution or bridge to replace Rodgers, but they need a more promising developmental option who isn’t Jordan Travis or Adrian Martinez. Jalen Milroe, with his running skill set similar to Fields, would make sense as their Day 2 stash if they aren’t aggressive enough to get Dart in Round 1. They also could jump on a falling Sanders at No 7.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have become the odds-on favorite to somehow land Sanders for new offensive-minded head coach Kellen Moore. They can get him by either trading up from No. 9 or staying put. If not, they would be in play for Dart, Ewers, or Milroe.
MORE NFL DRAFT: Big board top 200 | 3-round mock draft | Mock with trades
The near-locks
Cleveland Browns
If the Browns don’t take Sanders at No. 2 overall in the first round, they still would need to bring in a rookie to battle Kenny Pickett for the starting job. To that end, Ewers would be most in play on Day 2.
New York Giants
The Giants signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, so they have at least one bridge option between the two veteran free-agent additions. That could lead them to table QB in this draft, but they also can take a developmental option, such as Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel or Louisville’s Tyler Shough.
The sleepers
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold, but they could consider a developmental rookie in Klint Kubiak’s new offense and look for someone to compete with Sam Howell for No. 2 duties.
Las Vegas Raiders
The blockbuster trade to land Geno Smith cools them off a bit, now with a young experienced Aidan O’Connell behind him. But again, like Darnold, if there are any doubts about Smith being a multiple-season solution, the Raiders could go after Ewers, Milroe, or Will Howard, who played for new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly at Ohio State.
Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford keeps pushing along and now should be rejuvenated with Davante Adams joining Puka Nacua to revamp the passing game without Cooper Kupp. He also has a line intact and a running back, Kyren Williams, to take pressure off him. But the Rams need to get a project who can learn well under Sean McVay, such as Minnesota’s Max Brosmer.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars moved on from Mac Jones behind Trevor Lawrence and settled for Nick Mullens with John Wolford rounding out their depth chart for new offensive-minded coach Liam Coen. They can be into a developmental passer who fits their system late, such as Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, brother of former Jaguar Nathan Rourke.
The wild cards
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Green Bay Packers
The Packers could use a younger, more pure passing developmental backup to consider behind Jordan Love and Malik Willis to displace Sean Clifford. Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard is a good accuracy and athletic fit for Matt LaFleur.
San Francisco 49ers
If he’s good for LaFleur, then he can be good for Kyle Shanahan. Leonard is someone to watch landing with the Niners behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones with Tanner Mordecai as the current No. 3.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys did try to recover from losing backup Cooper Rush to the Ravens by making an upside trade for Joe Milton III. But that doesn’t preclude them from adding some competition, with Syracuse’s Kyle McCord being the best schematic target for Brian Schottenheimer.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers need to consider a young, project backup for Bryce Young behind Andy Dalton to upgrade from Jack Plummer. They should target an option late for offensive-minded coach Dave Canales, and Missouri’s Brady Cook will get their consideration.
