Updated: Aug 20
The NFL preseason is in full swing and some of the 2025 NFL draft class of quarterbacks have already been putting on some great performances. From number one pick Cam Ward, to sixth round picks like Riley Leonard, the first two weeks of preseason have taught us a lot we need to know about some of these QB’s.
Cam Ward
The Titans highly anticipated number one overall pick Cam Ward has impressed so far as the new face of the franchise in Tennessee, and his first two weeks of preseason have shown why he is just the start of a new dawn in Tennessee. Despite not having thrown any touchdowns so far, there have been clear inprovements in the Titans lineup, and Ward’s presence alone has highlighted why their future is bright.
Ward who was always the number one guy in Miami now has enormous pressure on his back to be great in Tennessee, and has the burden of bringing them back to winning ways. His preseason performances have already shown how his relationship and chemistry with his receiving core is already solid, but as time goes on, his game will need to elevate further, but so far, he looks good, and the Titans face of the franchise is off to a decent start with much more to come.
Jaxson Dart
Even though he saw his named called in the first round, former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart will have some mountain to climb in order to become the Giants outright starting QB this season, battling against two league veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson for the spot at the top of the depth chart in New York. But, given Wilson and Winston’s declines over the last couple of seasons, bad and inconsistent performances could pave the way for Dart to start taking first team reps for the Giants.
Much like Ward’s preseason campaign, Dart has inpressed with how quickly he has adapted to the NFL level, and although it is preseason, his rapid maturity has shown he is destined to be QB1 for New York in the future. Whether that comes this year we dont know, but his preseason starts have highlighted some big positives. Passing for almost 300 yards so far, with two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions, Dart has managed to find receivers well, and with an even better receiving core waiting in the ranks for him, his game will only get better. So far Jaxson Dart has shown lots of glimmers of hope, and could even take the starting job by Christmas.
Tyler Shough
The Saints 40th overall pick Tyler Shough was probably a pick which shocked a lot of people, and rightfully so. Passing on players like Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe was a big risk, and could still prove to be a big mistake by New Orleans. However, amongst the chatter of his ability to play at the NFL level, and his chances of becoming the starting QB in NOLA, Shough’s preseason has been decent, but probably not enough to earn hin the QB1 spot.
Battling against Specer Rattler isnt nessecarisly a massive task, but some big mishaps during his play have proved he mightve left thr board too early. A passing touchdown and a pick in his first game didnt really show too much, and his overall athletic ability didnt impress, making it hard to see him as the starting QB. The rotation of QB’s in New Orleans will be interesting to see this season, and Shough will likely get some starts, but as a second round pick, thr value isnt there, and his preseason isnt something to get overly excited about.
Shedeur Sanders
As soon as it was announced that Shedeur Sanders would start week one of the preseason for the Browns, every NFL was waiting for him to hit the field in Cleveland, and it is safe to say he proved his point. It is a consensus that Shedeur Sanders is way better than a fifth round pick, and after ending up in the chaotic QB room of the Browns, it wasnt looking too promising for him. But, his lone preseason start prior to his oblique injury proved why his shot at the starting quarterback job is well in contention, and his first game on NFL soil proved that.
Going 14/23, passing for two touchdowns, and putting his dual threat skills on show with some silky pocket movement, Sanders played the game of hos dreams, and made some serious claims for the starter job in Cleveland. His speed and passing were A1, and as much as people hate to admit it, he commanded the pocket like a real pro, and his name is well and truly in the hat for the starters job.
Dillon Gabriel
On the other hand, big performances arent for everone in Cleveland, especially not for third round pick Dillon Gabriel. The former Oregon QB and Heisman trophy finalist was another shock pick in the draft, heading to Cleveland with a real shot at the starying job; that was until Sanders turned up. Although both Gabriel and Sanders found themselves in a very tricky situation in Cleveland, Gabriel definitely came off worse, and his redemption game agaisnt the Eagles in preseason didnt help.
Despite having a better conpletion percentage than Sanders, throwing a pick six and having no passing touchdowns to show for it isnt exactly whats is going to wow Kevin Stefanski and the coaching staff, and although he has the competitive drive and hunger, Gabriels spot dosent look too promising on the depth chart, and looks dangerously close to ending up on the trade block.
Jalen Milroe
Not great, but solid from Jalen Milroe, no passing touchdowns, no picks, and no real statement plays, but he’s still played solid. Milroe is probably comfortable with sitting behind Sam Darnold this season, taking a year to develop, and taking a year to adapt to the speed of the game, and time to perfect his craft before jumping into the deep end. One thing that definitely stood out was his rushing and dual threat ability. Coming out of college we all knew Milroe was this years ‘Lamar Jackson’ esq player, and he isnt far off. His speed is immaculate, and his nifty movement and agility was something that definitely stood out. Not a starter yet, but one in the making for sure.
Riley Leonard
And finally, we cant forget about Riley Leonard. Notre Dame’s number one in college, but Indiana’s number three in the NFL. Going 189th overall Leonard was never considered a starter, but he put up some solid numbers, and with a push looks like a decent backup.
Going 19/36 he showed he isnt afraid to throw the ball, and is a risk taker, and confident to get thr ball in his receivers hands. No touchdowns yet, and already one pick to his name, but Leonard looks ok, and for a sixth round pick, his value looks great. He is more than likely not to see any first team reps for Indy this season, but it isnt over for him yet, and his career certainly still has some claims at only 22 years old.
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