Big Blue Huddle

Quintessential Guide to College Qbs the next 2 years.

2025 Draft

1. Sheddur Sanders Colorado- The best part of Sanders game is easily his processing of the field, and his understanding of defensive concepts. He has pre snap control over the offense with protections and play calls, and is already elite with his eyes and identify leverage advantages. Footwork needs work, but his accuracy at the short and intermediate is excellent. Navigates the pocket well, has a solid build, and doesn't put the ball in harms way despite the pressure he gets with the bad Colorado Oline. He will be a 23 year old rookie, and will need time to adjust, but Pat Shurmer has him running a pro style offense which will benefit him.

2. Cam Ward Miami- Kid has insane Arm talent, the best raw Arm talent since Josh Allen. He can abuse defenses at all 3 levels with ease, but his decision making and mechanics can fail him under pressure. I have noticed that no matter where he throws the ball it comes out the same speed which is concerning. The only thing that really concerns me with Ward is the same issue that I had with Caleb Williams last year, he holds the ball entirely too long trying to play hero ball. Under pressure he breaks down and isn't the same kid. The competition he's faced like Sanders will come into question. Each played at Incarnate Ward/Jackson St before going to Washington St/Miami and Colorado.

3. Jalen Milroe Alabama- Like Sanders and Ward before him, Milroe stands around 6'2 220lbs. He initially backed up Bryce Young, and only did designed runs/packages, but took over last year. His one cut agility and explosiveness is elite by any metric. Would immediately be a top 3 running Qb in the NFL day one. He has Elite Arm Strength, equal to that of Josh Allen. His off platform and angled throws are amazing at times. The long game is excellent, and he has gotten better with the intermediate and short game. Has a lot to learn about footwork, mechanics, and layering the football. It's not that he can't do those things, he's simply extremely raw and will need time, and a good coach. His legs and long ball will bring him to the dance while he learns everything else.

4. Jaxson Dart Ole Miss- At times Dart with his Arm Strength, ability to run, and moxy flash Elite Qb. Dart can read defenses, and takes complete control of his offense moreso than any Qb on this list currently. He has great touch, can layer with the best, and run a multitude of offensive schemes with his diversity. He still needs to work on his ball placement on deep routes, and sliding instead of trying to truck people, but he is an intriguing prospect that will only grow as the season comes to an end.

5. Garrett Nussmeier LSU- Is a Giant question mark and I don't know that I would want my team drafting such an unknown. He's been in college 4 years and is finally playing as a senior. He started off hot but has cooled off recently. His pocket awareness is next level, but that might be the only quality currently. His decision making, ball placement, and locking onto first reads is a serious concern no matter the arm talent you see from him.

6. Drew Allar Penn St- At 6'5 241lbs Allars elite physical tools are the equivalent of a player you'd create on Madden, he has everything you could want. He's the blueprint talent wise that all teams covet, but it all hasn't clicked yet. I think a lot of that especially in 2022 was on Penn St as he virtually had zero help with any skill players, and it's more of the same this year. Isn't as quick as he seems, can be to methodical at times. He also needs to work on his arm control. If this kid goes to the right situation then he could be something. Having time to develop will decide his future in the NFL.

7. Quinn Ewers Texas- The otherworldly High School prospect that couldn't beat out Stroud so he moved back to Texas. His first year in Texas was mediocre, and despite Analysts praising Texas' offense last year, he underwhelmed when you consider the elite NFL talent he had at WR, RB, and TE. So far this year we've seen Elite Ewers, and Daniel Jones Ewers depending on the game. I don't know that he's built to hold up in the NFL. When he is on, his arm talent, decision making, and pocket awareness is next level. He is undisciplined and lazy at times, likely playing on pure talent and little else. If he was consistent in his execution then he would be a top 3 pick, however he isn't and the big question right now is why?

8. Kurtis Rourke Indiana- His brother Nathan is currently a star in the CFL and Kurtis would likely be the number 1 overall pick in the CFL tomorrow. The kid racked up honors everywhere in the MAC before coming to Indiana and leading their resurgence this year. Kid is always good for 250 yards and 4 tds every year on the ground and has been good but not great throwing the ball. He's very efficient but nothing really jumps off the page. He has a lot of talent that I don't think had been unlocked yet but he will be 25 during jis rookie year. Great 2nd string Qb potential.

9. Carson Beck Georgia- The curse of Georgia making pedestrian QBs seem better than they are strikes again. He came into the season as QB1 and has fallen to mid round prospect. His completion percentage has dropped 7 points since last year, and doubling his Int totals with several games left to play. Prototypical size, but lacks any agility, or timing. I never thought he was a guy, but him completely crumbling this season reinforces a lot of what most were already seeing. Nothing elite or special, was elevated last year by a generational TE, defense, and multiple great Wrs. This season he can't elevate all the 5 stars around him which is alarming.

10. Dillon Gabriel Oregon- A dual threat steady hand, who will turn 25 during his rookie year. Gabriel can run, throw, and lead an offense very well. He's undersized, lacks arm talent, and has a very capped ceiling. I would say he's a more mobile, better thrower version of Bo Nix with less upside. A disciplined and accurate passer that tends to stare down his Wrs and will be limited by his 6"0 height and frame.

The rest:
Brady Cook, Riley Leonard, Miller Moss, Donovan Smith, Will Howard, Noah Fifta, Diego Pavia, and Taylen Green.

Darkhorses:

Diego Pavia Vandy- Some people you watch play and say wow that's a football player. That's Diego Pavia, he stands 5'11 and nothing about him pops off the screen as elite. He is the definition of a gamer, all this kid wants to do is win. He looks more like a Rb and welcomes contact, and throws lasers in the short to intermediate.  His long game needs a lot of work but in a Read option offense he could be Electric. He excells is making quick decisions either throwing it in the short/intermediate or tucking it and running. He Is the new Pitbull version of Taysom Hill. You could draft this kid and play him anywhere on offense, or have a package for him at Qb. I mean the kid has Vandy with their best season in forever.

Taylan Green Arkansas- This kid year 1 as a starter is the only reason Arkansas hasn't lost every game. The kid has a rocket for an arm and Elite explosiveness. At 6"6 240lbs he runs a 4.3 forty and  has been clocked at 23 mph regularly. His vision on extended plays is next level and he has gotten better every year. Arkansas is a Dumpster fire but this kid right now is Joe Milton, if Joe Milton could run like Lamar Jackson. Could be an intriguing late round flier that could pay off with the right staff.

Feel free to add your own perception of each Qb or add a Qb you may think is worthy of looking at. Like currently I'm looking at Noah Fifta of Arizona as an underrated prospect.

2026 Qbs NFL Draft-

1.Arch Manning Texas- At 6'4 225lbs with mobility Arch is a tantalizing prospect. Will likely be labeled a generational talent and he's only started two games. He has a quick release, great frame, better footwork, and an excellent deep ball. Surprising how quick he is but has arm talent to do anything asked of him. Next year the focus on him has to be 3 things:
1. he's got to not lock onto his primary wr
2. Improve his processing and working through reads
3. Holding onto the ball to long and forcing throws

2. Nico Lamaleava Tenn- 6'6 215lbs Nico looks like a big gazelle when he runs. Has a very natural throwing motion that makes all his passes look effortless. I am weary of Qbs coming from Josh Heupels offense but this kids talent is evident. As a Redshirt Freshman the kid is launching balls, his deep game is already there. You can see he is getting better each game at processing defenses, and going through his reads. His Intermediate and short game need work, but that us expected with him being so young. His mechanics are also a work in progress but everything is there, you can see that he's a franchise qb, luckily we still have another year to see him develop.

3. Lanorris Sellers S Carolina- At 6'3 242lbs Sellers looks like a baby tank. This is the guy that will be your Hurts/Jackson type option in this draft. Kid has ice water in his veins, and loves contact. Good athlete with plus Arm Strength, and touch. Will be one to watch next season and going into the draft.

4. Dante Moore Oregon- a 5 star prodigy that left UCLA after his freshman year knowingly to wait behind Dillon Gabriel for a year. He's raw and a lot of this is projections at least for him right now. He's a confident rhythm passer, has the placement, and accuracy to navigate throws all over the field. Needs to work on his footwork, throws off balance too much, and has a tendency to lose velocity on throws. Simply needs time to develop in the right system.

5. Austin Mack Alabama- Kid is a monster, literally he's huge. I have only seen high school tape because he hasn't started anywhere. He sat behind Penix last year, and then followed Kalen Deboar to Alabama, where a top prospect for the 2027 draft in Julian Sayin transfered to not have to compete with him. There have been rumblings that he dominates the Alabama defense in practice, so prepare to hear his name often next year.

6. Jaden Rashada Georgia- The kid who was offered multiple million to sign with Florida but flipped to Arizona st when they wouldn't pay, and is now backing up Carson Beck in Georgia. He's thin, and will hopefully bulk up but has all the tools/gifts to be a one year wonder at Georgia and go high in the 2026 draft.

7. Malachi Nelson Boise- Will be the enigma of this class, a once heralded 5 star Qb that signed with Southern Cal only to leave when he saw Miller Moss was the next guy up. Transfers to Boise but doesn't win the job despite all the talent. There have been rumors about his work ethic and willingness to learn. Nelson's high school tape shows a silky smooth athlete that can hurt you at all 3 levels. Naturally gifted thrower, that has the mobility to create for himself. If he ever gets on the field he could rise very quickly.

8. Marcel Reed Texas AM- Weigman was on many people's 2025 draft board, until Marcel Reed busted through the door and never looked back. 6'2 190lbs, Reed has a coach for a father and elite athleticism. Great footwork with a really quick release, and an arm to get it to all 3 levels. Wouldn't surprise me at all if he develops even more next year and is a top 10 pick going into the draft.

9. Avery Johnson Kansas St- Like Diego Pavia and Taysom Hill, I seen Avery as an athlete/football player that happens to play Qb. The kid is a threat to run on every single play. He has some serious velocity but his mechanics and accuracy will need some work. His footwork is good and he has a natural feel in the pocket, bit needs to be a better decision maker.

10. Jackson Arnold Oklahoma- I won't hold Oklahomas poor offense this year on Arnold. I saw what he did in relief last year and it was good tape. Arnold reminds me a lot of Drew Allar in that both PSU and Oklahoma put zero skill players around them to succeed and ontop of that Oklahomas top 7 wrs and top 4 Olinemen are Injured. Arnold was right there with Manning on the top qb coming out of high school. He has the advanced pocket awareness, super fast release, processes the field really well, and has crazy velocity. Like Manning he needs to work on locking in on wrs down the field. He also needs a little work with his footwork, and deep game. My hope is he leaves Oklahoma this offseason and goes somewhere that has the skill players in place to show his talent.

The 2026 class is definitely more top heavy than the Sanders/Ward led 2025 class. It's not even close, as the 2026 class will have generational talent tags associated with multiple prospects. The wild thing is that the 2027 class could be equally as elite. Dylan Raiola(Nebraska) aka baby Mahomes will lead a class that includes DJ Lagway(Florida), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), and Air Noland/Julian Sayin(Ohio St).

This is amazing.  Thanks so much. As a fan that doesn't watch college, I really enjoy the posts you guys put out.  Thanks!

Great work Jess. Incredibly comprehensive and informative, as usual.

Thanks, Jess.

This is great work.

Thanks for the critique. My fear is the Giants draft Carson Beck just because...

Thanks Jess.

My hot thoughts:

Sanders - you see him as I do.  Loads of intangible QB traits.  Things like how he sees the field, loft on balls, etc.

Cam Ward - I am very down on him.  I dont like his release at all.  It's like he pushes the ball to the WR.  I see no NFL success for him.

Jalen Milroe - I do not think his arm is remotely close to Josh Allen's as "elite" but I love his arm anyway as he throws with confidence and it is plenty good.  I love his movement.  He does not run as a panic to pressure but rather because he sees an opportunity.  Also he moves to buy time well.  He still has much more to be developed but I like him a lot.

Jax Dart - other than the UGA game I think Ole Miss has not played the best teams so judging Dart now seems early. The two losses were bad losses. I believe he can rise the most as they finish their schedule but now I am a "hold."

Great work, great post

This is an incredible breakdown. Thank you.

In your opinion, can you place in rank (or effectively state) which of these in your opinion has an "it" factor based on what you've seen.

@Jclayton92

Jess,

I just want to thank you for putting in so much work to produce an outstanding product for us to consume. 

Great information for this board. We all thank you 

Like it or not, one of the top three will be drafted by the Giants in April.

I read a lot of posts on this board where people are discussing college QBs and they have no idea what they are talking about because I don't think they watch college football. 

Jclayton, man, you really watch college football!  Thanks for this - mostly because I agree with all of it.  lol

I am at point where there is a clear line of demarcation.  That line is Milroe.  I think Sanders has all the abilities and habits of a, potentially, elite QB.  I think Ward is a stud but is going to need an adjustment period.  You described him perfectly, "hero ball."  But insane talent.  Milroe is a project.  A lesser athlete (barely) than Richardson, but more of a QB than Richardson.  He needs to sit for a year and I wouldn't touch him before late second or third round.

After that, I like Ewers more than Dart.  That is mostly because I watched him (Dart) at USC and was never that impressed and then at Ole Miss I see him as product of system.  I admit, though, that I could be underselling Dart, but that is how I see it.  Not sure I pick either of them before fifth or sixth round and hope for Brock Purdy.  Purdy was a 4 year at starter at ISU and that has helped him so much in pros.  Both these guys will have plenty of college experience so that is why I'd throw them in Purdy bucket (late pick and hope, knowing most late picks fail).

Beck, Nussmeier and Allar are average to below average college QBs.  Daniel Jones was below average college QB at Duke.  Some teams will draft these guys based on traits that show up once out of ten plays.  Lets hope the Giants don't.  Guys who don't dominate college don't dominate the pros.  The rare exception notwithstanding.  Look for these three guys to jump up on boards during draft season.  Don't be fooled.

Anyway, it's Sanders or Ward for me and if neither is available to Giants then I wouldn't reach.  It's why I am all in on tank train.  History tells us that the probability that one of these 2 hit and one of them bust is high so you better pick the right one and the odds increase when you get the one you like more.

A heck of an effort, nicely done. Thank you, Jess. Of course, we're a long way from being able to advise Joe Schoen who he should pick and when. And that's assuming we won't have already beaten ourselves senseless in the process.

Cheers!

Quote from: Puffy on November 12, 2024, 09:40:17 AMI read a lot of posts on this board where people are discussing college QBs and they have no idea what they are talking about because I don't think they watch college football. 

Jclayton, man, you really watch college football!  Thanks for this - mostly because I agree with all of it.  lol

I am at point where there is a clear line of demarcation.  That line is Milroe.  I think Sanders has all the abilities and habits of a, potentially, elite QB.  I think Ward is a stud but is going to need an adjustment period.  You described him perfectly, "hero ball."  But insane talent.  Milroe is a project.  A lesser athlete (barely) than Richardson, but more of a QB than Richardson.  He needs to sit for a year and I wouldn't touch him before late second or third round.

After that, I like Ewers more than Dart.  That is mostly because I watched him (Dart) at USC and was never that impressed and then at Ole Miss I see him as product of system.  I admit, though, that I could be underselling Dart, but that is how I see it.  Not sure I pick either of them before fifth or sixth round and hope for Brock Purdy.  Purdy was a 4 year at starter at ISU and that has helped him so much in pros.  Both these guys will have plenty of college experience so that is why I'd throw them in Purdy bucket (late pick and hope, knowing most late picks fail).

Beck, Nussmeier and Allar are average to below average college QBs.  Daniel Jones was below average college QB at Duke.  Some teams will draft these guys based on traits that show up once out of ten plays.  Lets hope the Giants don't.  Guys who don't dominate college don't dominate the pros.  The rare exception notwithstanding.  Look for these three guys to jump up on boards during draft season.  Don't be fooled.

Anyway, it's Sanders or Ward for me and if neither is available to Giants then I wouldn't reach.  It's why I am all in on tank train.  History tells us that the probability that one of these 2 hit and one of them bust is high so you better pick the right one and the odds increase when you get the one you like more.

Unless he gets hurt or there is a scandal, Milroe with be a top 5 pick.

Quote from: Ed Vette on November 12, 2024, 06:47:37 AMThanks for the critique. My fear is the Giants draft Carson Beck just because...

It would be my worst nightmare for this offseason.