2 weeks Ago By Brent Sobleski
The 2025 quarterback class remains in flux. As NFL teams come to grips with the reality multiple franchise face of needing to make investments in the game's most important position, the incoming crop needs to show more as a whole. Case in point, the trip of Texas' Quinn Ewers, Georgia's Carson Beck and Alabama's Jalen Milroe have all been trending down in recent weeks.
Outside of Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback class seems to be in upheaval. Considering how many teams may be looking to invest in a first-round signal-caller—as many as eight—a few others must step up to earn that status or those organizations will be going in another direction. Other franchises can invest in top talents at other positions, starting with Colorado's Travis Hunter.
Though Hunter isn't included as a top fit for this week's draft boards among the projected top-10 teams. Why? Well, his talent isn't in question, but how exactly he helps in certain situations—either as a cornerback or a wide receiver—has yet to be determined. Whichever team selects Hunter among next year's top 10 must have a plan for him and how to properly utilize his unique skill set.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn , Cory Giddings , Dame Parson and Matt Holder looked at each of those situations to see who might be the ideal fit, while also providing this week's draft prospects who impressed or disappoint coming out college football's Week 8 action. 1. Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia Georgia's Mykel Williams had positive momentum as a draft prospect before the 2024 campaign even began.
His traits didn't just look a future first-round selection; some viewed him as the No. 1 overall prospect. Williams didn't play that way to start the season, though he was hampered by an ankle injury.
He finally played at an elite level against the Texas Longhorns, with a pair of sacks (his first two of the season) and a forced fumble. "It's been a tough season for Williams as he's battled through an injury earlier in the campaign to get off to a slow start," Holder said. "However, he was on a big stage this past weekend against Texas and delivered his best game of the season.
Even better, the Georgia product was able to beat fellow potential first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. for one of those sacks to help boost his draft stock." 2.
Edge Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech Casual college football fans will have a tough time naming the person who leads the FBS in sacks. Technically, two do. But Virginia Tech's Antwaun Powell-Ryland has been doing so against better competition than San Diego State's Trey White.
"To call Powell-Ryland a pass-rush specialist would be a bit of an understatement," Holder said. "He compiled 9.5 sacks last season to generate some draft buzz heading into this season, then he already surpassed that figure with 11 sacks through seven games in 2024.
"This past week, he posted his second four-sack game of the season and did it against good competition in the Boston College Eagles. The Hokie has some quickness and twitch to him that should help him carve out a role on third downs at the next level." 3.
RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee The Tennessee Volunteers offense is know for Josh Heupel's spread passing attack that takes advantage of spread hashes and simple reads. But running back Dylan Sampson serves as the driving force behind this year's Vols offense. The junior prospect ran for 100 or more yards in four of five games this season, including 139 and two touchdowns during Saturday's victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.
" Sampson is the SEC's leading rusher by a nice margin," Parson said. "The 20-year-old runs with immense patience and vision to find his way into the open field. Sampson brings explosiveness and home run speed to the Vols rushing attack.
The underclassman's body control and contact balance are impressive, as he can churn out extra yardage after contact. "Sampson has proved his name should be mentioned with the other top running back prospects in an already loaded draft class." 4.
WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami The Miami Hurricanes' renaissance isn't complete without wide receiver Xavier Restrepo. The fifth-year senior has been a dynamic weapon for Heisman Trophy hopeful Cam Ward. Restrepo currently ranks fourth among receivers with 35 or more catches by averaging 17.
6 yards per reception. He leads the Hurricanes in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown grabs. "Restrepo is having a great season as Ward's WR1," Parson said.
"Restrepo defeats man and zone coverages with route-running, tempo and leveraging. He is the go-to receiver within the Hurricanes' offense, Restrepo is a tough, gritty pass-catcher who resembles Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs. He will bring reliability and stability to an NFL passing attack and will thrive as a chain-moving slot receiver.
" 5. S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame Ball skills are always a big selling point for defensive backs. A year ago, Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts tied for the FBS lead with seven interceptions.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner hasn't been quite as prolific this season, though he has two picks in the Fighting Irish's last three contests. But Watts still needed to show some things other than being an opportunistic defensive back. "Watts' draft stock has continued on an upward trends thanks to improvements and consistency in his coverage skills," Giddings said.
"Already recognized for his exceptional run defense, Watts has added more versatility to his game by refining his ability to cover receivers. His progress in maintaining leverage and closing passing lanes has enhanced his overall value as a defender. "While his physicality and aggressive tackling remain standout qualities, Watts' development in coverage is positioning him as a more complete safety, making him a potential asset for any team seeking a reliable presence both in run support and downfield coverage.
" 1. QB Quinn Ewers, Texas Quinn Ewers has been heralded as top talent since his high school days. His on-field performance has never fully represented the deemed potential throughout multiple recruiting and draft cycles.
Against the Georgia Bulldogs, Ewers was benched in favor of Arch Manning because head coach Steve Sarkisian was looking for "a spark." Ewers returned to the game but never looked comfortable playing against the most talented defense he'll likely face all season. "Ewers' performance against Georgia last weekend dropped his stock like a stone in water," Parson said.
"Ewers struggled to navigate the pocket and negotiate pressure from the Bulldogs' pass rush. He did not evade rushers, instead standing flat-footed in the pocket. His tendency to settle for underneath routes and checkdowns hurt his offense.
"Ewers' inability to create with his legs created disadvantageous and conflicting situations." 2. WR Savion Williams, TCU With Quentin Johnson out of the way, Savion Williams was meant to be the next big target in TCU's offense.
It's never really materialized that way, though. During the 2023 season, Williams did lead the rebuilding Horned Frogs with 573 receiving yards. He hasn't taken the next step.
Instead, the 6'5", 223-pound target has fallen off quite a bit. Williams managed more than 70 receiving yards in a game just once this season. "Williams is a strong and gifted athlete for his size and stature," Parson said.
"Unfortunately, he hasn't produced anywhere near his skill or talent level. Against the Utah Utes, he was more effective as a ball-carrier than a receiver. "Once believed to be the top draftable talent for TCU's passing attack, Williams appears to be more of an afterthought, thus hurting his draft stock.
" 3. DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska A strong start to the season can leave a good impression that lingers even if it's not totally warranted a few weeks down the road. The Nebraska Cornhuskers started strong against weak competition, only to falter against better competition.
Defensive tackle Ty Robinson drew early praise. But he hasn't quite be the same impact performer as of late. "Robinson gained some notoriety earlier in the season with a big performance against Colorado, a game that had plenty of eyeballs on it," Holder said.
"However, the Cornhusker has been pretty quiet since then, making that outing more of an outlier, as he seemingly was just taking advantage of a weak offensive line from the Buffaloes." 4. RB Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech Georgia Tech's Jamal Haynes is one of the nation's most natural runners, with 298 rushing yardage in the first two weeks of October against the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels.
But he could wiggle his way free against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. "Haynes was stifled and shut down by Notre Dame's defense," Parson said. "Haynes had eight carries for 15 yards, averaging 1.
9 yards per carry. He was bottled up and kept from generating any big or explosive plays for the Yellow Jackets' offense. "The 5'9", 190-pound Haynes doesn't offer a prototypical size event at the RB position.
When contained, he must find ways to counter and still be an effective runner." 5. S Keon Sabb, Alabama At times, Alabama's redshirt sophomore safety Keon Sabb looks like the best player on the field.
Other times, he looks lost. To make matters worse, Sabb will be " down for a while " after suffering a lower-body injury. "Sabb is trending down this season due to inconsistent performances in both coverage and run defense," Giddings said.
"His lack of fluidity and athleticism in coverage has made it difficult for him to keep pace with receivers, often leading to separation. Compounding the issue, his tackling has suffered from poor angles, and his physicality hasn't matched the expectations for a bigger safety. The tightness in his movement further limits his ability to adjust in space, leaving him vulnerable to being outmaneuvered by offensive players.
"To fulfill his potential, Sabb will need to address these shortcomings, especially if he aims to become the versatile defensive piece that NFL teams expect." The future of the Cleveland Browns has rapidly gained clarity. Amari Cooper's trade to the Buffalo Bills basically waved a white flag on this season.
Deshaun Watson's ruptured Achilles tendon added an exclamation mark. More trades could be forthcoming prior to this year's deadline. Mainly, the Browns know a reset is necessary, particularly behind center.
Watson may never play another down for the organization (or in the NFL). The Browns must take their medicine after handing out the worst contract in league history and find a long-term solution at quarterback. The draft is the most obvious path forward, bringing in a manageable rookie deal while absorbing the dead salary-cap space that Watson's potential release brings.
As the league's worst team (based on Bleacher Report's latest power rankings ), Cleveland will have its choice to land the front office's preferred quarterback prospect. Top Option: QB Cam Ward, Miami Fit: "Ward would be a good fit for the Browns to undertake a much-needed reset at quarterback. Ward's full array of skills will give the coaching staff a passer capable of utilizing the entire field, especially off of play-action.
Before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, Watson was the league's worst deep-thrower, statistically. Ward excels pushing the football down the field with a combination of arm talent and touch. He is a full-field passer with plus mobility.
"A pairing Ward with the team's young receivers is a sound plan to build towards the future." — Parson. Other Options : QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado; WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona; CB Travis Hunter, Colorado Maybe Drake Maye didn't need to wait before becoming the New England Patriots' starting quarterback.
The rookie is still dealing with all of the same issues that Jacoby Brissett did. Yet Maye is showing what it means to have a real talent behind center. Maye's five touchdowns in his first two starts are as many as Patriots' quarterbacks threw in the team's previous nine contests, dating all the way back to Dec.
17 of last season. This year's third overall draft pick obviously needs more help, though. Someone who can become Maye's security blanket in the passing game should be a top priority for the coming offseason.
Maybe the Patriots target a few new pass-catchers to fully build around their new franchise quarterback. Top Option: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona Fit: " The Patriots were rumored to be interested in Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins this off-season. McMillan fills their need for a true WR1-caliber pass-catcher.
McMillan brings similar height, weight and catch radius as Higgins, but he's a more fluid mover and route-runner. He wins with size (6'5", 212 lbs) and the ability to separate from defensive backs. McMillan can grow and flourish alongside Maye.
" — Parson. Other Options : Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia; OT Will Campbell, LSU; WR Trey Harris, Ole Miss Bryce Young will once again be the Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback this weekend. Nobody should hold their breath expecting this opportunity to be the reset the 2023 No.
1 overall pick needed to regain his status within the organization and not look back. Unfortunately, Young will only be in the lineup because Andy Dalton suffered a sprained thumb in a car accident. Maybe Young does impress now that he's been given another chance.
Until that actually happens, the same thought continues with the Panthers and how they must proceed next offseason: If you don't have a franchise quarterback, you don't stop searching for one. A potential top-three selection positions the team well to finally do what it didn't properly do after trading up to the No. 1 overall pick in last year's class.
Top Option: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado Fit: "Sanders has proven to handle pressure behind a leaky offensive line and effectively distribute the football to his weapons. If given an opportunity, Sanders provides a highly accurate passer with functional mobility to create out-of-structure with his legs. Head coach Dave Canales could be in the market for his QB.
Sanders fits with Carolina's young, explosive, athletic receivers." — Parson. Other Options : QB Cam Ward, Miami; Edge James Pearce Jr.
, Tennessee; TE Colston Loveland, Michigan; Will Levis' lingering shoulder injury and his replacement in the lineup by Mason Rudolph only made the Tennessee Titans' path even more obvious. Another quarterback is needed. Brian Callahan became an NFL head coach because of his handling of Joe Burrow.
His long-term success in said position will come down to the talent the Titans field behind center. Right now, it's not good enough. At 1-5, Tennessee is one of four teams with only a single victory.
Three of those organization will jockey to find an upgrade at the game's most important position. Levis still has an chance to return from his current injury and impress. So far, he hasn't, as the quarterback with the 30th most passing attempt yet the second-most interceptions.
Without a legitimate quarterback behind center, Callahan's status will be betrayed before he ever really gets an opportunity to show what he and his staff can do. Top Option: QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU Fit: " The Levis experience has already been tumultuous for Callahan. He has the chance to pick a quarterback that will fit his offense.
Nussmeier is an accurate full-field passer to lead the Titans' offense. Reminiscent of Burrow, Nussmeier possesses similar qualities in the pocket to win with timing, rhythm, poise and accuracy. This prospect-to-team fit makes sense systematically and stylistically.
" — Parson. Other Options : WR Luther Burden III, Missouri; TE Colston Loveland, Michigan; DL Mason Graham, Michigan After an 0-4 start, wins in two of the last three games have given the Jacksonville Jaguars a little spring into their step. To be fair, those wins came against the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.
What it shows is that the Jaguars still have some growth potential, though they're about to face an extremely difficult lineup of opponents that include the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. A month from now, the Jaguars could be 2-9 and one victory in London won't mean much of anything. Jacksonville's defense remains the biggest issue, as the league's fifth-worst unit.
The Jaguars are next-to-last in pass defense. Top Option: CB Will Johnson, Michigan Fit: "Johnson would be a strong addition to the Jaguars' defense, offering the size and physicality the team needs in their secondary. His versatility allows him to excel in both man and zone coverages, which aligns well with the Jaguars' aggressive, press-man defensive schemes.
Johnson's length and tackling ability make him a valuable asset in run support, while his ball-hawking skills will bolster Jacksonville's ability to create turnovers. "Johnson provides exactly what the Jaguars' desire for dynamic, playmaking defensive backs." — Giddings.
Other Options : CB Travis Hunter, Colorado; S Malaki Starks, Georgia; TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green Quarterback. Quarterback.
Quarterback. There's really no reason to discuss anything else regarding the Las Vegas Raiders. In April, the organization was left out in the cold when it came to a quarterback class that featured six first-round selections.
All of them came off the board before the Raiders could draft, despite all of the front office's attempts to get something done by trading up to select one. Las Vegas did end up with Brock Bowers, who is setting records left and right for a rookie tight end. He's everything the organization hoped he'd be.
As good as Bowers had been, the Raiders would have traded him in for an opportunity to land a franchise quarterback in a heartbeat, because the NFL is quarterback league. A franchise simply can't compete with the likes of Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O'Connell and Desmond Ridder as its top options. Top Option: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Fit: "Klubnik is playing high-level football right now.
He confidently operates Clemson's Air Raid offense with control. The junior prospect brings a draft profile with a good floor and high ceiling. He is a plus-level athlete who expands the offensive playbook and play-calling as a runner.
His passing ability has improved this season—Klubnik has a gifted arm to make throws at every level, combined with growing accuracy/ball placement. This season, he is diagnosing pre/post-snap defense well. "The Raiders need someone who can play within the confines of the offense and make key plays with their legs, Klubnik fits that mold, right now.
" — Parson. Other Options : Pick any other quarterback who might be available. It's difficult to look at the New York Giants and wonder what they'll do at quarterback with someone other than Daniel Jones.
But the possibility of the organization keeping its current course remains a distinct possibility. "Obviously we're all very disappointed with where we are right now [after a 2-5 start]," owner John Mara told reporters . "But I'm going to say one thing: We are not making any changes this season and I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason either.
" Mara was specifically discussing general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. Even so, ownership agreed to sign Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract extension only 19 months ago. The quarterback may be given one more shot, while the Giants front office looks to strengthen his surrounding cast, specifically a faulty offensive front.
Top Option: OL Will Campbell, LSU Fit: "It makes sense for the Giants to be the team to pull the trigger on the draft's most polished offensive lineman for several reasons. First, the unit lacks any high-end starter outside of left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is out for the year with a foot injury and will have missed 18 games since 2023 due to this foot as well as last year's hamstring injuries. "Campbell's selection provides some assurance regarding durability questions starting to arise with Thomas, while providing an improvement at right tackle or either guard spot.
" — Thorn. Other Options : QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama; DL Mason Graham, Michigan; TE Tyler Warren, Penn State Eventually Derek Carr will return to the New Orleans Saints lineup after he's healed from his oblique injury. Spencer Rattler hasn't created excitement in the veteran's absence.
Quarterback may be the obvious path forward for the franchise. However, the Saints are an older team when compared to the rest of the league. Carr, Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu are all signed through at least the 2025 campaign.
The veteran core doesn't necessarily have the time or patience to draft and develop a quarterback over a multi-year period. Instead, general manager Mickey Loomis can continue to build up the rest of the roster, starting with a defensive interior that been particularly weak this fall. Top Option: DL Mason Graham, Michigan Fit: " The Saints are likely trending toward a rebuild so adding a talented prospect like Graham, who is the No.
2 overall player on B/R's big board, qualifies as a best-player-available selection. He does play the same position as Bryan Bresee, but Graham would be an upgrade and is too talented for what could be a rebuilding team to pass up." — Holder.
Other Options : S Malaki Starks, Georgia; OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas; DL Deone Walker, Kentucky When discussing the Miami Dolphins, three things should automatically be included in the draft conversation. First, they'll likely be drafting outside of the top 10 with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back in the lineup.
Second, their biggest need isn't at a premium position, thus the potential fit in this discussion may be viewed as a reach, though the Dolphins could move around to still make it happen. Finally, an investment to keep Tagovailoa upright is the smartest potential plan for the entire organization. As such, the offensive line should receive the greatest amount of attention.
Both guard spots are where focus should immediately shift since Miami can upgrade both sides. When offensive line coach Butch Barry is discussing those specific players and their performance, it's not a good sign. Top Option: IOL Tate Ratledge, Georgia Fit: " Miami's run-centered offensive scheme needs quality run-blockers to make the system go and Ratledge checks that box while also checking the desperately needed box of being able to anchor on command to help create a firm pocket for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
"Ratledge was excellent before suffering an ankle injury earlier this season but should return over the next couple of weeks. If he can pick up where he left off with his blend of size, play strength and pass protection skills, Ratledge should be in play as a potential first-round draft pick." — Thorn.
Other Options : RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State; DL Tyleik Williams, Ohio State; WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State The New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh. The organization then traded for Davante Adams. Gang Green suffered the same result despite both of these moves.
The team is now 2-5, having lost four straight games. Really, what the Jets do next offseason is entirely dependent on Aaron Rodgers and whether he chooses to play out his contract. If the soon-to-be 41-year-old quarterback decides to retire, everything changes.
Until that decision is made, the assumption is New York must find impact players early in the draft to help Rodgers and Co. actually piece together a winning program. The Jets have a quality defense, but the unit's safety play can be upgraded with the right addition.
Top Option: S Malaki Starks, Georgia Fit : "Starks fits the Jets' current defensive scheme to a tee, providing a versatile safety capable of excelling in both coverage and run support. "With Saleh removed as the Jets' head coach, it is unclear which direction the defense will go next season, though. "Still, his high football IQ and overall elite athleticism is a good place to start for any incoming defensive coordinator.
Starks' physicality and quick trigger in run support also align with the Jets' need for an aggressive, downhill safety. His athleticism and ball skills can complement the Jets' secondary, bringing playmaking ability and toughness to an already solid unit." — Giddings.
Other Options : DL Deone Walker, Kentucky; TE Tyler Warren, Penn State; Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia.
