NFL Quarterback Rankings: Evaluating First-Round Picks from 2020 to 2025

A comprehensive evaluation of NFL first-round quarterbacks from 2020 to 2025, focusing on Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders' draft prospects.

Introduction

The NFL draft is a pivotal event for teams looking to secure their future, and quarterbacks are often the most scrutinized players. This article ranks every first-round quarterback drafted from 2020 through 2025, based on pre-draft evaluations. We also place Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, the top prospects in the 2025 draft, into this context.

Methodology

To compile these rankings, I consulted NFL scouts, decision-makers, and analysts. The focus was solely on pre-draft grades, with additional context provided by each quarterback's professional performance. Our goal is to compare these players as if they were all in the same draft class.

Rankings

1. Caleb Williams (2024)

Drafted: No. 1, Chicago Bears Williams was a Heisman Trophy winner with USC, known for his arm strength and playmaking ability. Despite a rocky rookie season, expectations are high for his sophomore year.

2. Trevor Lawrence (2021)

Drafted: No. 1, Jacksonville Jaguars Lawrence was a consensus five-star recruit and led Clemson to a 34-2 record. He improved significantly after a rough rookie season.

3. Joe Burrow (2020)

Drafted: No. 1, Cincinnati Bengals Burrow's 2019 season at LSU was one of the best ever by a college quarterback. He has since become one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

4. Jayden Daniels (2024)

Drafted: No. 2, Washington Commanders Daniels won the Heisman and led Washington to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season.

5. Drake Maye (2024)

Drafted: No. 3, New England Patriots Maye drew comparisons to Justin Herbert for his size and arm strength. He had a promising rookie season.

6. Tua Tagovailoa (2020)

Drafted: No. 5, Miami Dolphins Tagovailoa showed accuracy and poise at Alabama. His NFL career has been injury-riddled but productive when healthy.

7. Justin Herbert (2020)

Drafted: No. 6, Los Angeles Chargers Herbert dazzled at Oregon and has become a top NFL passer with a strong arm and mobility.

8. Bryce Young (2023)

Drafted: No. 1, Carolina Panthers Young was a Heisman winner at Alabama but struggled early in his NFL career.

9. Zach Wilson (2021)

Drafted: No. 2, New York Jets Wilson showed promise in college but has struggled to find consistency in the NFL.

10. C.J. Stroud (2023)

Drafted: No. 2, Houston Texans Stroud was a standout at Ohio State and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.

11. J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Drafted: No. 10, Minnesota Vikings McCarthy led Michigan to a national championship and is seen as a future NFL starter.

12. Trey Lance (2021)

Drafted: No. 3, San Francisco 49ers Lance showed potential but has been hindered by injuries and limited playing time.

13. Anthony Richardson (2023)

Drafted: No. 4, Indianapolis Colts Richardson is a physical specimen but has struggled with injuries and accuracy.

14. Justin Fields (2021)

Drafted: No. 11, Chicago Bears Fields showed promise as a runner but has battled inconsistency as a passer.

15. Mac Jones (2021)

Drafted: No. 15, New England Patriots Jones was efficient at Alabama but has seen his performance decline in the NFL.

16. Jordan Love (2020)

Drafted: No. 26, Green Bay Packers Love sat behind Aaron Rodgers and had a breakout season in 2023.

17. Bo Nix (2024)

Drafted: No. 12, Denver Broncos Nix was accurate and mobile in college and had a strong rookie season with Denver.

18. Cam Ward (2025)

Ward is the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, known for his arm talent and leadership.

19. Michael Penix Jr. (2024)

Drafted: No. 8, Atlanta Falcons Penix showed promise but was limited by injuries and age.

20. Shedeur Sanders (2025)

Sanders transferred from Jackson State to Colorado and shows accuracy and toughness.

21. Kenny Pickett (2022)

Drafted: No. 20, Pittsburgh Steelers Pickett had a solid rookie season but has struggled to establish himself as a long-term starter.

Conclusion

The NFL draft continues to be a crucial event for teams to find their franchise quarterbacks. While the rankings provide a snapshot, the true measure of success is how these players perform in the NFL.

What to Read Next

Cleveland Browns' Four-Way Quarterback Battle: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Prospects
NFL

Cleveland Browns' Four-Way Quarterback Battle: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Explore the Cleveland Browns' unique approach to their four-way quarterback competition, featuring insights on player strategies, challenges, and future prospects.

Top 20 Rising NFL Defensive Stars of 2025: Who Will Dominate the Field?
NFL

Top 20 Rising NFL Defensive Stars of 2025: Who Will Dominate the Field?

Discover the top 20 rising NFL defensive stars of the 2025 season, including standout players like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Jared Verse.

How DeMarcus Lawrence Elevates Derick Hall and the Seattle Seahawks' Defense
NFL

How DeMarcus Lawrence Elevates Derick Hall and the Seattle Seahawks' Defense

DeMarcus Lawrence's mentorship is transforming Derick Hall and strengthening the Seattle Seahawks' defensive strategy.

Fantasy Football 2025: Rising Stars Bo Nix and Omarion Hampton Lead the Charge
NFL

Fantasy Football 2025: Rising Stars Bo Nix and Omarion Hampton Lead the Charge

Discover the top rising stars in Fantasy Football 2025, including Bo Nix and Omarion Hampton, who are generating buzz and poised for breakout seasons.

Jimmy Horn Jr.: The Speed and Spirit Fueling the Carolina Panthers' Rookie Sensation
NFL

Jimmy Horn Jr.: The Speed and Spirit Fueling the Carolina Panthers' Rookie Sensation

Discover how Jimmy Horn Jr.'s speed, personality, and relentless energy are making waves at the Carolina Panthers' training camp.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers: Aiming for Super Bowl Glory in 2025
NFL

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers: Aiming for Super Bowl Glory in 2025

Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are setting their sights on the Super Bowl in 2025, building on their recent success and overcoming key challenges.

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks Dominate Early Picks in 12-Team Superflex League
NFL

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks Dominate Early Picks in 12-Team Superflex League

Explore the 2025 NFL Mock Draft where quarterbacks dominated the early picks in a 12-team superflex league, with detailed analysis and player selections.

Travis Hunter: The NFL's Rising Two-Way Star Shines in Jaguars Training Camp
NFL

Travis Hunter: The NFL's Rising Two-Way Star Shines in Jaguars Training Camp

Discover how Travis Hunter is making waves as a two-way player in the NFL, excelling in both offense and defense during the Jacksonville Jaguars' training camp.

2025 NFL Preseason Trade Tracker: Key Moves and Team Strategies
NFL

2025 NFL Preseason Trade Tracker: Key Moves and Team Strategies

Stay updated with all the significant trades and strategic moves by NFL teams as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Sean Payton's Master Plan: How Bo Nix Became the Denver Broncos' Franchise Quarterback
NFL

Sean Payton's Master Plan: How Bo Nix Became the Denver Broncos' Franchise Quarterback

Discover how Sean Payton's meticulous QB evaluation process led the Denver Broncos to draft Bo Nix, setting the stage for a promising NFL career.

From Quiet Florida Kid to Jets' Defensive Leader: The Rise of Jamien Sherwood
NFL

From Quiet Florida Kid to Jets' Defensive Leader: The Rise of Jamien Sherwood

Discover how Jamien Sherwood transformed from a shy Florida kid to the vocal leader of the New York Jets' defense, overcoming challenges and earning a $45 million contract.

J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey Lead the Charge in Broncos' Revamped Running Back Room
NFL

J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey Lead the Charge in Broncos' Revamped Running Back Room

J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey are vying for the lead running back role in the Denver Broncos' revamped offense under Sean Payton.

Ravens' Rookie Kicker Tyler Loop Shines Under Pressure: A New Era in Baltimore
NFL

Ravens' Rookie Kicker Tyler Loop Shines Under Pressure: A New Era in Baltimore

Rookie kicker Tyler Loop steps up for the Baltimore Ravens, showing confidence and skill as he aims to fill the shoes of NFL legend Justin Tucker.

Rookie Sensation James Pearce Jr. Shines in Falcons Training Camp
NFL

Rookie Sensation James Pearce Jr. Shines in Falcons Training Camp

James Pearce Jr., the Falcons' first-round pick, is making waves in training camp with his aggressive play and locker-room presence.

Bills Training Camp 2025: Rising Stars and Roster Battles in Full Swing
NFL

Bills Training Camp 2025: Rising Stars and Roster Battles in Full Swing

Get the latest updates from the Buffalo Bills' 2025 training camp, including standout performances, roster battles, and injury news as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.