Nov 23, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord (6) runs out of the pocket within the first quarter towards the Connecticut Huskies on the JMA Wi-fi Dome. Obligatory Credit score: Mark Konezny-Imagn Photos Shedeur Sanders, Cameron Ward and Carson Beck usually are not missing for consideration from the NFL scouting group.
However there’s no scarcity of depth past the first-round targets on this yr’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 may 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 could possibly be drafted within the fourth spherical or later and ultimately make an influence within the NFL.
Kyle McCord, Syracuse
A two-year starter who noticed his manufacturing take off after shifting 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 towards Pittsburgh in the course of the season looms massive as decision-makers wrestle with McCord’s closing 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 may not stay as much as his preseason third-round grade. He was benched midway by way 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 attainable outcomes is sort of extensive, however Smith’s traits will make him one to look at among the many lower-rung quarterbacks on this yr’s class.
Cam Miller, North Dakota State
Getting into the yr, Miller was seen because the second-best FCS senior passer. He leaves because the clear favourite after a giant season that almost included upsetting Colorado within the season opener. A barely undersized passer who makes up for it along with his means 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 possible 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 towards the Texas Longhorns throughout the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Photos 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 nicely inside Vanderbilt’s scheme and located methods to increase performs or discover further yardage as a runner. If he does discover success, it’s going to possible be shifting to a distinct 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 outdoors 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 energy and really feel within the pocket, and the psychological facets of his sport translate nicely to the subsequent degree.