2025 Quarterbacks/ Running Backs
QUARTERBACKS
EXPLANATION OF NUMERICAL RATINGS AND DRAFT VALUE
95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, Consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise. Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK
90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15 year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the forunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place. One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistenely a top level performer in all years , could make HOF ballot for a few years. Mid/Late 1st round draft pick
85-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12 year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possible an All-Pro season or two should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but not great. Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round
80-84 Flaws that can be possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5 year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely. Draft 3rd/4th round
75-79 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Likely a 3 to 5 year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career. Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long term home, most are out of football within 5 years. Draft 4th/5th round
70-74 Career backup/ developmental player. At this point the draft is even more of a gamble. Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in College or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL ,could develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days. Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)
60-64 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Usually nothing but a Camp arm at best, Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
MY VIEWS ON QUARTERBACKS
My views on QB's as you will read differ substantially from the so called "experts" Look back at history and you will see many massive mistakes. Just in the last 10/15 years 1st round glaring errors were,Winston #1, Mariota,#2Trubisky #2, Griffin #2Tebow #25,Locker #9, Gabbert #10, Ponder #12, , Weeden #22, Manuel #16, Bortles #3, Manziel #22, , Lynch #26, , Rosen #10 Not impressive is it!! Just 3 out of 17 QB's drafted in the top 10 between 2010 and 2018 are with the original drafting teams!!!! Yet ALL were consensus Highly rated players by the "Experts" you all have listened to for years.!! One of the MAIN reasons I started this site was the fact I called ALL of these!! I know I have no proof but.watch 3 years from now and I WILL be your source! Most NFL GM's talk themselves into wildly overvaluing QB's , be pressured by Owners who THINK they know football or by the Local Media, another prime source of ignorant evaluations. And the last is by fans fueled by The explosion of "Sports Talk" radio which is nothing but a cleverly disguised Reality Show sold to those not knowing any better as genuine media, listen closely people it's all a con. My method,, I watch games and tape!!! I put 0.0% of my evaluations on All Star games, "the combine" or ridiculous "Pro Day" performances. All Star games tell you little if any about long term potential , It' one week people!! The combine is absolutely ARCHAIC, and Pro days honestly are just a completely choreographed JOKE!!
2025 QUARTERBACK BACK OVERVIEW
2025 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE
Rank Name School Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value Comments
1.Jalen Milroe Ala 6-2 217 89 Early 2nd Raw, most upside, by FAR
2.Cam Ward Mia(F) 6-2 219 88 Mid 2nd Most ready, Mid level QB
3.Will Howard OSU 6-4 236 86 Late 2nd Tough, clutch, limited
4.Kyle McCord Syr 6-3 218 82 Late 3rd
5.Shedure Sanders Col 6-2 212 81 Early 4th
6.Jaxson Dart Miss 6-2 223 79 Mid 4th
7.Tyler Shough Louis 6-5 219 76 Mid 5th
8.Riley Leonard NDame 6-4 216 75 Late 5th
9.Quin Ewers Tex 6-2 214 73 Mid 6th
10.KJ Jefferson UCF 6-3 242 72 Late 6th
11.Graham Mertz Fla 6-3 212 72 Late 6th
12.Dillion Gabriel Ore 5-11 205 71 Early 7th
13.Seth Henigan Mem 6-3 215 69 Late 7th
14.Brady Cook Mo 6-2 214 68 Late 7th
15.Will Rogers Wash 6-1 210 66 PFA
16.Taylor Elgersman Lau 6-4 216 63 UDFA
17.Kurtis Rourke Ind 6-4 220 60 UDFA
18.Max Brosmer Minn 6-2 217 58 UDFA
19.Donovan Smith Hou 6-5 235 55 UDFA
RUNNING BACKS
EXPLANTION OF NUMERICAL RATINGS AND DRAFT VALUE RUNNING BACK
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Top 5 player at position expect 6/8 year career at top level, Excells in all phases of the running game, inside and outside threat. Must be an every down back and elite in any offense or scheme. Weapon in passing game. Expecting for 10K plus career yard along with 4/5 hundred receptions barring serious injury. Team leader, high character, high football IQ player in HOF talk throughout career. A truly rare player. TOP 10 Pick
90-94 Top 10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career, Looking at a 4/6 year career at top level. Player must be effective in any offense or scheme, must be elite at either inside or outside running at the very least and effective in passing game. Character and football IQ are vital. Expect player to add a few more seasons as a backup, likely on another team. 1st round pick
85-89 Solid at the position All-Pro season or two, 5/10 year career. should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but only intermittently great. Smart teams will be looking for an upgrade after 3/5 years so a 2nd contract is unlikely. Likely to devolve to a role player in latter years 2nd/Mid 3rd round
80-84 Likely a quality back up/role player Likely 4/6 year career max at best in most cases. Some will fall to this point due to injury concerns. Most likely at this point though is some with the right combination of coaching, scheme and work ethic can excel, but most will find themselves as role players. More likely a great place for "change of pace" backs also players who excell in the passing game as well as speed/power backs. Looking for players who can contribute on special teams, often on the bubble year to year after a couple seasons. Draft Mid 3rd/ Mid 4th round
75-79 Players with serious injury concerns or a unique skill set. Likely the player will play for multiple teams over at best 3/5 year career. Always on the bubble. It can be as a kick returner, special teams ace, multiple position ability, pass catching ability, rare speed, rare power. They will need something to stick but these players can carve out a decent career. The player could have had career threatening injuries in college keeping him from the field but pre injury play warrants a look.. Draft Mid 4th /5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. Marginal NFL player. Could be injury concerns, personality concerns, legal concerns, could be lack of physical attributes, could be intriguing size/speed combination that did not translate to production , this could have been lack of fit with scheme, poor coaching, poor college choice. Does not really matter at this point. Could develop a role depending on patience and work ethic. MUST be a willing special teams ace to stick around at all. Player likely will get short contract will little guarantee. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, Player has the basic skill set needed for position, 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Could develop into role player with tenacity and patience,MUST be able to play any and preferably all special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. Draft late 7th round or Priority Free Agent (PFA)
60-64 Player for Training Camp or Practice Squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Just a NFL practice dummy, when team needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week.. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary.Free Agents only. (UDFA)
Under 60 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Players with some skills or perhaps tremendous intangables worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make something out of this. Camp practice dummy is all these guys are, nothing more. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon.
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited
o character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper enviroment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long injury history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
MY VIEWS ON RUNNING BACKS
Every year we hear how the NFL has devalued RB's. Yet every year teams that lead in rushing win a more than they lose. Over the past three seasons 20 out of the 30 top ten teams in rushing have made the playoffs! So the math is rather simple running equals winning, always has always will. This is another fact that shows the ignorance of NFL executives and why they fail so often in the draft!!
OVERVIEW.
No elite type back this season, several who can be solid contributers for several seasons and numerous intriging SLEEEPERS who will be drafted later with very high upside
RUNNING BACK RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE
Rank Name School Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1
NEW FROM 2022 ALL PURPOSE BACKS
. ALL PUPOSE RUNNING BACKS
EXPLANTION OF NUMERICAL RATINGS AND DRAFT VALUE ALL PURPOSE RUNNING BACK
95-100 Elite player, Yearly in All Pro debate Top 5 player at position expect 6/8 year career at top level, Excells in all phases of the running game, inside and outside threat. Must be an every down back and elite in any offense or scheme. Weapon in passing game. Expecting for 10K plus career yard along with 4/5 hundred receptions barring serious injury. Team leader, high character, high football IQ player in HOF talk throughout career. A truly rare player. TOP 10
90-94 Top 10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over career, Looking at a 4/6 year career at top level. Player must be effective in any offense or scheme, must be elite at either inside or outside running at the very least and effective in passing game. Character and football IQ are vital. Expect player to add a few more seasons as a backup, likely on another team. 1st round pick
85-89 Solid at the position All-Pro season or two, 5/10 year career. should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but only intermittently great. Smart teams will be looking for an upgrade after 3/5 years so a 2nd contract is unlikely. Likely to devolve to a role player in latter years 2nd/3rd round
80-84 Likely a quality back up/role player Likely 4/6 year career max at best in most cases. Some will fall to this point due to injury concerns. Most likely at this point though is some with the right combination of coaching, scheme and work ethic can excel, but most will find themselves as role players. More likely a great place for "change of pace" backs also players who excell in the passing game as well as speed/power backs. Looking for players who can contribute on special teams, often on the bubble year to year after a couple seasons. Draft in 3rd/4th round
75-79 Players with serious injury concerns or a unique skill set. Likely the player will play for multiple teams over at best 3/5 year career. Always on the bubble. It can be as a kick returner, special teams ace, multiple position ability, pass catching ability, rare speed, rare power. They will need something to stick but these players can carve out a decent career. The player could have had career threatening injuries in college keeping him from the field but pre injury play warrants a look.. Draft 4th /5th round
70-74 Back up /specials teams. Marginal NFL player. Could be injury concerns, personality concerns, legal concerns, could be lack of physical attributes, could be intriguing size/speed combination that did not translate to production , this could have been lack of fit with scheme, poor coaching, poor college choice. Does not really matter at this point. Could develop a role depending on patience and work ethic. MUST be a willing special teams ace to stick around at all. Player likely will get short contract will little guarantee. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round
65-69 Developmental Practice squad player, Player has the basic skill set needed for position, 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Could develop into role player with tenacity and patience,MUST be able to play any and preferably all special teams. Likely just on roster a year or two at best. Draft 7th round or Free Agent
60-64 Player for Training Camp or Practice Squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Just a NFL practice dummy, when team needs a body could be active for a couple games due to injuries. or special teams ability. Not long for the team. Week to Week.. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary.Free Agents only.
Under 60 Training camp body at best, 1 in 500 make something out of this. Camp practice dummy is all these guys are, nothing more. GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING FAST!!!
EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS
BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.
OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.
UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.
SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper enviroment.
POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.
CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!
INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long injury history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$
MY VIEWS ON ALL PURPOSE RUNNING BACKS
With the recent changes in the NFL game I felt the need to create another Draft designation "THE ALL PURPOSE RUNNING BACK" . These players in the past were offen referred to as "3rd down backs" "change of Pace Backs' also they often pull Slot receiver duty and in an ideal case be a quality contributer on Special teams as a return Specialist or a Core Special Teams Player. Another ideal trait for these Backs is the ability to provide Full Time RB duty when called upon to do so and a must would be being highly useful in the passing game. These players are generally on the smaller/Quicker side although that is not necessary for them to excel. Much as when I introduced the "Slot WR" designation a few years ago watch for others rip this one off as well.
RUNNING BACK (APB) OVERVIEW
One strong prospect this season, several others who will contribute and if drafted by the right team with the correct scheme they can excell.
ALL PURPOSE BACK RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE
Rk Name School Ht Wt Rtg Rnd Value
1.