Shedeur Sanders, Cameron Ward and Carson Beck are not lacking in attention from the NFL scouting community.
But there’s no shortage of depth beyond first-round targets in this year’s class.
Depth is the buzzword for the 2025 NFL Draft. The backlog of NFL-eligible players has been flagged by the NFL and includes about 20 senior quarterbacks who could receive qualifying grades.
It’s unlikely that any quarterback drafted late, say, Brock Purdy, will last as a long-term starter.
But here are five of those seniors who could be drafted in the fourth round or later and end up making an impact in the NFL.
Kyle McCord, Syracuse
A two-year starter who saw his production begin after transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse, McCord has been dominant this season. His money-changing problems have been greatly exaggerated, which reduces his perceived limit. A five-point performance against Pittsburgh in the middle of the season looms large as decision makers grapple with McCord’s final grade. He has the ball handling and placement skills from the pocket to develop into a low-level NFL starter.
Donovan Smith, Houston
Nov 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Trey Rucker (9) tackles Houston Cougars linebacker Donovan Smith (1) in the first half at TDECU Stadium. credits: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports One of the best physical specimens in the class, Smith had a rocky season and may not reach his preseason third-round draft pick grade. He was benched during the 2024 season but stands 6-foot-4, 237 pounds, with impressive arm and athletic talent. Maybe he’s drafted late as a developing bet or a strong shifter. The list of possible outcomes is quite extensive, but Smith’s traits will make him look among the top quarterbacks in this year’s class.
Cam Miller, North Dakota State
Entering the year, Miller was viewed as the runner-up in the FCS. He leaves as the clear favorite after a big season that almost included an upset of Colorado earlier in the season. A slow passer who helps with his ability to stretch plays and feel for pitches, Miller compares well to former Bison pass rusher and 2019 fifth-round pick Easton Stick. He’ll likely need to find a weak or injury-riddled quarterback room to get his chance.
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
October 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) runs against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photos by Steve Roberts-Imagn Like Commanders backup Trace McSorley (Penn State), other teams are considering Pavia for a position change given his agility and mobility. He’s a below-average passer with a limited arm and inconsistent accuracy, but he worked well in Vanderbilt’s scheme and found ways to extend plays or gain extra yardage as a runner. If he achieves success, it will probably be moving to a different area, but Pavia also succeeds with a strong and passionate style and a greed that can’t be ignored.
Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State
Drafted as a center fielder in August, Gronowski’s 2024 campaign fell flat. His accuracy was an issue and he didn’t do much damage outside the pocket, though there is still a chance to lead the Jackrabbits to another national championship. He’s a strong passer with feel in the pocket, and the mental aspects of his game translate well to the next level.
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