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 12 months’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 might 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 here are 5 of these seniors who might be drafted within the fourth spherical or later and finally make an influence 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 midst of the season looms giant as decision-makers wrestle with McCord’s remaining grade. He has the processing abilities 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) throughout the first half at TDECU Stadium. credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports activities Probably the greatest 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 means 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 wager or tight finish convert. The vary of doable outcomes is sort of extensive, however Smith’s traits will make him one to observe among the many lower-rung quarterbacks on this 12 months’s class.
Cam Miller, North Dakota State
Coming into the 12 months, Miller was considered because the second-best FCS senior passer. He leaves because the clear favourite after an enormous season that almost included upsetting Colorado within the season opener. A barely undersized passer who makes up for it together with his capacity 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 doubtless 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 throughout the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Pictures Just like Commanders backup Hint McSorley (Penn State), some groups are contemplating Pavia for a place change given his toughness and motion abilities. 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 further yardage as a runner. If he does discover success, it is going to doubtless be transferring to a special place, however Pavia additionally thrives with a resilient and passionate model and covets being neglected.
Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State
Projected as a mid-rounder in August, Gronowski’s 2024 marketing campaign fell flat. His accuracy was a problem 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 features of his recreation translate properly to the following degree.
