Sun Apr 13 15:10:00 UTC 2025: ## 2025 NFL Draft: QBASE 2.0 Projects Cam Ward as Top QB, But Questions Remain
**[City, State] –** The 2025 NFL quarterback class lacks the star power of last year’s draft, according to a new QBASE 2.0 projection model. While Cam Ward, who recently set the FBS career touchdown passes record, tops the rankings, experts caution against comparing him to elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes.
The QBASE 2.0 model, a refined version of previous quarterback evaluation systems, analyzes college passing statistics, rushing ability, and playing experience, adjusting for factors like teammate and opponent quality. This year’s top prospect, Ward, boasts impressive numbers (67.2% completion percentage, 3.4 rushing yards per attempt), but falls short of the exceptional performances seen from last year’s top prospects, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. His five-year college career, boosted by COVID-19 eligibility, also raises questions about his readiness for the NFL.
While Ward leads the pack, the 2025 class lacks the depth of previous years. Other notable quarterbacks, such as Shedeur Sanders (record-setting completion percentage but poor rushing numbers) and Jaren Hall (impressive 2024 season but concerns about size and arm strength), present varying strengths and weaknesses. The model also highlights the challenges faced by older prospects like Tyler Shough (injury history) and the inconsistencies shown by other potential draftees.
The projections suggest that quarterback-needy teams might have to settle for non-first-round prospects or wait until the 2026 draft for their franchise quarterback. Several teams addressed their quarterback needs in the off-season, but the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, picking first and second overall, respectively, are expected to enter the draft still searching for a starter. This makes Ward a strong possibility for the top pick, despite not having the same level of pre-draft hype as the top QBs of the 2024 class. The lack of standout talent raises the possibility of teams revisiting their quarterback needs in the following draft year.
The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering a quarterback’s overall profile, rather than solely focusing on individual statistics or records. The model’s authors, along with contributions from Alexandre Olbrecht and Jeremy Rosen, underscore the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 quarterback class and advise teams to approach the draft with caution and a comprehensive evaluation process.
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