NFL Draft Longshot Quarterbacks With a Chance To Deliver

Mark Jarvis|published: Thu 5th December, 08:19 2024

Nov 23, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord (6) runs out of the pocket in the first quarter against the Connecticut Huskies at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders, Cameron Ward and Carson Beck are not lacking for attention from the NFL scouting community.

But there’s no shortage of depth beyond the first-round targets in this year’s class.

Depth is a buzzword for the 2025 NFL Draft. The backlog of players with COVID eligibility is marked out for NFL delivery and includes around 20 senior quarterbacks who could receive draft-worthy grades.

It’s unlikely that any quarterback drafted as late as, 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 eventually make an impact in the NFL.

Kyle McCord, Syracuse

A two-year starter who saw his production take off after moving from Ohio State to Syracuse, McCord was dynamic this season. His turnover problems have been more exaggerated, which limits his perceived ceiling. A five-interception performance against Pittsburgh in the middle of the season looms large as decision-makers wrestle with McCord’s final grade. He has the processing skills and ball placement from the pocket to develop into a low-end NFL starter.

Donovan Smith, Houston

Nov 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Trey Rucker (9) tackles Houston Cougars quarterback Donovan Smith (1) during 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 might not live up to his preseason third-round grade. He was benched halfway through the 2024 season but stands an impressive 6-foot-4, 237 pounds, with commendable arm talent and athleticism. Perhaps he is drafted late as a developmental bet or tight end convert. The range of possible outcomes is quite wide, but Smith’s traits will make him one to watch among the lower-rung quarterbacks in this year’s class.

Cam Miller, North Dakota State

Entering the year, Miller was viewed as the second-best FCS senior passer. He leaves as the clear favorite after a big season that nearly included upsetting Colorado in the season opener. A slightly undersized passer who makes up for it with his ability to extend plays and feel for making throws off platform, Miller compares favorably to former Bison and 2019 fifth-round pick Easton Stick. He’ll likely need to find a weak or injury-ridden quarterback room to get his chance.

Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt

Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) scrambles against the Texas Longhorns during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Similar to Commanders backup Trace McSorley (Penn State), some teams are considering Pavia for a position switch given his toughness and movement skills. He’s a below-average passer with a limited arm and inconsistent accuracy, but he worked well within Vanderbilt’s scheme and found ways to extend plays or find extra yardage as a runner. If he does find success, it will likely be moving to a different position, but Pavia also thrives with a resilient and passionate style and covets being overlooked.

Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State

Projected as a mid-rounder in August, Gronowski’s 2024 campaign fell flat. His accuracy was an issue and he didn’t do as much damage outside the pocket, although there’s still a chance he can lead the Jackrabbits to another national championship. He’s a throwback passer with good strength and feel in the pocket, and the mental aspects of his game translate well to the next level.

Latest