Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws in drills during OTAs at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
With the NFL season less than 100 days away from kickoff, let’s take a closer look at some of the rookies who will be getting their first taste of action this season. Cam Ward is the only QB that appears to be a lock to start Week 1, but with Derek Carr retired, Tyler Shough might have an opportunity to win the Saints job in training camp.
1. Cam Ward, Tennessee
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 9: Cam Ward #1 of the Miami Hurricanes warms up prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Positives: Ward has the most powerful arm in this draft class by far. He’s going to play Week 1, and Tennessee is fully committed to him and his success.
Negatives:
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA;Miami quarterback Cam Ward (QB15) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
Needs more skilled players to help him. Ward played well at Miami, but the team did not make the NCAA playoffs with a stacked offense–how will he handle the tough games that he will play in the NFL?
2. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 09: Jaxson Dart #2 of the Mississippi Rebels carries the ball during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Positives: Supremely accurate passer and has the makings of a great team leader. More mobile than people give him credit for. Brian Daboll seems to love him.
Negatives:
MOBILE, ALABAMA – JANUARY 29: Jaxson Dart #2 of Ole Miss during Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images)
With Russell Wilson on the team, it’s likely that Dart won’t see the field for a while. Ole Miss had a more free-flowing offense than the Giants, so it might take Dart time to adjust.
3. Jalen Milroe, Seattle
Mar 19, 2025; Tuscaloosa AL, USA; Quarterback Jalen Milroe throws for scouts at the University of Alabama Pro Day as several Crimson Tide players worked out for NFL teams in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility.
Positives: Imagine the rushing ability of Justin Fields with a slightly more accurate arm. Milroe exudes potential if Seattle fans can be patient.
Negatives:
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After Seattle gave Darnold a ton of money this offseason, it will take an injury to get Milroe into the lineup. It’s possible that they use him in certain offensive formations, but he seems to be about 1-2 years away.
4. Tyler Shough, New Orleans
Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough during Pro Day at the UofL Football’s Trager Indoor Practice Facility Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Positives: Smart QB who had success at a few different colleges. Understands how to read defenses and find the open receivers.
Negatives:
May 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
A checkered injury history and an impatient fan base could derail him before his career gets rolling in New Orleans.
5. Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland
Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Positives: Extremely accurate passer and full of self-confidence. Has a chip on his shoulder due to being selected late, but that could be enough to vault him to success.
Negatives:
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski watches quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) participate in drills during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Seems to be way more of a “me” guy than a team guy. Will Deion be able to stay away?
