The 2025 NFL season is poised to showcase a dynamic group of rookie quarterbacks, each bringing unique skills and potential to their respective teams. From seasoned college stars to late-round surprises, these quarterbacks are set to make their mark. Here’s an in-depth look at the top five rookie quarterbacks to watch this season.
Which Rookie QBs Am I Investing In? My Take on the Top 5, Stroud, and Arch Manning
Before I get into the top 5 quarterback prospects—according to most experts—I have to be honest: I’m not feeling a ton of conviction about any of them.
That said, I keep getting questions from subscribers and Automatic Sports Card Profits Beta members asking who I’m buying, which QBs I’m watching, and where I see upside. So, here we are.
Still Buying CJ Stroud
This time last year, CJ Stroud was the hot name. He had a solid season in 2024, though some say he hit a bit of a sophomore slump. Personally, I’m still picking up Stroud cards when the investment makes sense. Why? Because I expect the Texans (aka the Oilers now) to have a big year, and that would almost certainly boost the value of his cards.
Texans Are All-In for 2025
Houston has made some serious offseason moves—and I mean serious. They’ve gone all-in to become Super Bowl contenders:
- Stefon Diggs (100-catch receiver) – traded from Buffalo
- Joe Mixon (1,000-yard rusher) – acquired from Cincinnati
- Nick Chubb (Pro Bowl RB) – signed to a one-year deal
- Danielle Hunter (10-sack edge rusher) – signed from Minnesota
- Derek Stingley Jr. – locked in with a 3-year, $90M extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history
Both sides of the ball are stacked. If this team performs, Stroud’s cards could see a serious rise in value. Click here to view CJ Stroud cards.
Looking Ahead to Arch Manning
Honestly, the player I’m most excited about isn’t even in the NFL yet—Arch Manning. He’s still a year out, but the raw talent is already showing, and the hobby love for him is sky-high. He’s one of the few long-term QB prospects I’m really bullish on.
So, Who Am I Investing In?
While I’ll probably grab a few cards from this year’s top rookies, my quarterback investments are focused on three names:
- CJ Stroud
- Arch Manning
- Bo Nix
I’m not going heavy on speculation here. I’m primarily a baseball investor, but let’s be real—the NFL card market revolves around quarterbacks. About 95% of my football card investments are QB cards.
So here are the top 5 to keep an eye on according to most experts.
1. Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans
Drafted: 1st Round, 1st Overall
College: Miami (FL)
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 219 lbs
Cam Ward enters the NFL as the most anticipated rookie quarterback of the 2025 class. After transferring from Washington State to Miami, Ward delivered a stellar 2024 season, throwing for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. His performance earned him the ACC Player of the Year and the Davey O’Brien Award, solidifying his status as the top pick in the draft .
Known for his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership, Ward is expected to start immediately for the Tennessee Titans, replacing the departed Ryan Tannehill. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make throws on the move will be crucial as he adapts to the NFL’s speed and complexity.
2. Jaxson Dart – New York Giants
Drafted: 1st Round, 15th Overall
College: Ole Miss
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs
Jaxson Dart brings a blend of size, mobility, and arm strength to the Giants. Over his college career, Dart amassed nearly 12,000 passing yards and 81 touchdowns, with an additional 1,550 rushing yards. In 2024, he led Ole Miss to a 10-3 record, earning First-Team All-SEC honors .
While the Giants have veteran Russell Wilson leading the offense, Dart’s development is a priority. His aggressive playstyle and quick decision-making could see him take the reins sooner than expected, especially if the team opts to build for the future.
3. Shedeur Sanders – Cleveland Browns
Drafted: 5th Round, 144th Overall
College: Colorado
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 212 lbs
Shedeur Sanders’ draft position surprised many, considering his impressive college career. At Colorado, he threw for over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2024, leading the team to significant victories and earning a reputation as a poised pocket passer .
Despite being drafted in the fifth round, Sanders has made a strong impression in Browns’ training camp. With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to injury, Sanders is competing with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for the starting role. His performance in preseason games will be pivotal in determining his immediate impact .
The Hobby has a lot of love for Shedeur, because of his Dad of course, Dion Sanders https://ebay.us/UTQo72ion.
See Shedeur Sanders Cards Here.
4. Jalen Milroe – Alabama
Drafted: 2nd Round, 45th Overall
College: Alabama
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 lbs
Jalen Milroe enters the NFL with a dual-threat skill set that mirrors that of Jalen Hurts. In 2024, he rushed for 726 yards and 35 total touchdowns, showcasing his explosive athleticism .
While Milroe’s passing mechanics require refinement, his physical tools are undeniable. Teams are betting on his development potential, and with the right coaching, he could evolve into a dynamic starter in the league.
5. Tyler Shough – Los Angeles Rams
Drafted: 3rd Round, 70th Overall
College: Louisville
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 230 lbs
Tyler Shough’s journey to the NFL has been unconventional. After transferring from Texas Tech to Louisville, he delivered a standout 2024 season with 3,195 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. His experience and maturity make him a valuable asset for teams seeking a reliable backup or short-term starter .
At 26 years old, Shough is one of the older rookies in the class. However, his polished game and leadership qualities position him as a potential contributor for the Los Angeles Rams, who are looking to solidify their quarterback depth.
Honorable Mentions
- Dillon Gabriel – Cleveland Browns: Another rookie in the Browns’ quarterback room, Gabriel brings a strong arm and playmaking ability. His competition with Sanders and others will be one to watch.
- Will Howard – Ohio State: Known for his accuracy and decision-making, Howard is a developmental prospect with the potential to surprise in the right system.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL rookie quarterback class offers a diverse array of talents, each with the potential to make significant impacts. From the polished skills of Cam Ward to the raw athleticism of Jalen Milroe, these quarterbacks are poised to shape the future of the league. As the season progresses, their development and performances will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
PS Of course we should mention Jayden Daniels. He is just a litlte to strange of a human being for me to invest in. Call me old fashion or whatever, I just cant do it.
Jayden Daniels comes across as a weird human being in the most fascinating ways—he attempts to be deeply introspective, almost to the point of mystery, and doesn’t fit the mold of the typical high-profile athlete.
He seems to use his weirdness as an attempt to attract the spotlight, Daniels likes operating on his own wavelength, often displaying a quiet intensity that borders on eccentric.
He’s known to be extremely meticulous about his routines, sometimes obsessively so, and he carries himself with a kind of calm detachment that makes people wonder what’s really going on in his head. Teammates have described him as someone who might suddenly go silent mid-conversation, only to come back with an oddly, sometimes, profound observation. His weirdness seek draws attemtion—simply because he’s so different. His mix of ultra-competitive fire and almost philosophical detachment from the chaos around him makes him seem like someone dropped into the NFL from another planet.
With that said, you can’t argue with Success!
Jayden Daniels delivered one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in NFL history during the 2024 campaign with the Washington Commanders. Selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels shattered multiple rookie records, including the most rushing yards (891) and highest completion percentage (69%) by a rookie quarterback . He also led all rookie quarterbacks with 25 touchdown passes, 3,568 passing yards, and a passer rating of 100.1 . His dual-threat capability was on full display, as he amassed 891 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability . Daniels’ poise under pressure was evident, leading four fourth-quarter comebacks and setting a rookie record with 12 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter or overtime . His performance propelled the Commanders to their first playoff victory since 2005, culminating in an NFC Championship appearance . For his exceptional achievements, Daniels was honored as the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, solidifying his status as one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league
