The 2025 NFL season features 13 rookie quarterbacks entering the league, each expected to make an impact in different ways. Although only two were first-round selections, several mid- and late-round picks could influence team performance. Some of these quarterbacks are likely to start immediately, while others will serve as backups or developmental prospects.
Regardless of their role, each adds a layer of unpredictability to team strategies and season outcomes. These additions are not just about roster depth; they’re potential game-changers whose presence could shift win totals and affect playoff races across the league.
Cam Ward and the Titans: Immediate Change, Immediate Stakes
The Tennessee Titans made the boldest bet by selecting Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. The Will Levis era came to an abrupt end, and Ward now inherits the keys to a franchise seeking an offensive identity under head coach Brian Callahan. Ward’s arm strength, improvisation, and confidence are tantalizing; however, consistency in timing-based throws will determine how quickly he elevates Tennessee’s win total.
The Titans’ offense mirrors concepts Ward ran in college, particularly at Miami, giving him a softer landing. His projected 3,391 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes suggest solid early returns. Add 265 rushing yards and three ground scores, and Tennessee has a dynamic weapon. If his early chemistry with Callahan materializes, Ward could easily swing Tennessee’s win total by three or more games.
Jaxson Dart’s Quiet Start Might be the Calm Before the Storm
Drafted 25th by the New York Giants, Jaxson Dart enters a crowded but short-term-focused quarterback room. With veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as stopgaps, Dart is not expected to start in 2025. But his long-range impact could still subtly affect NFL win totals.
How? By pushing the veterans. Dart’s downfield passing, 35 completions of 20-plus air yards last season, might force Daboll’s hand if the Giants’ offense stagnates. Should Wilson or Winston falter, Dart’s redshirt status could be reconsidered. His 1,991 projected passing yards won’t move the needle unless he’s forced into action, but his presence could be the nudge that keeps the Giants afloat in tight NFC East races.
Tyler Shough: New Orleans’ Calculated Gamble
When Derek Carr abruptly retired, the Saints quickly pivoted toward youth. Enter Tyler Shough, a 26-year-old rookie with more college experience than at least some league backups. He fits neatly into Kellen Moore’s system, which values rhythm and quick reads. With 3,025 projected passing yards and 14 touchdowns, he’s arguably the most pro-ready of the non-first-round rookies.
If Shough wins the starting job over Spencer Rattler, New Orleans could outperform expectations in the NFC South. His effectiveness off play-action and poise in the pocket give the Saints a real chance to stay competitive. For those tracking NFL game matchups and prop insights, it’s becoming apparent that Shough may be the sneaky rookie most likely to directly influence the divisional race.
Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel: Intrigue in Supporting Roles
Seattle’s Jalen Milroe and Cleveland’s Dillon Gabriel embody two different trajectories. Milroe, a third-rounder, won’t start over Sam Darnold, but is expected to contribute in select packages. His explosive athleticism and deep-ball ability could be game-breaking in the right scenarios. Even five to ten impactful snaps per game could flip a close contest, making Seattle slightly more dangerous than anticipated.
Gabriel, meanwhile, offers steadiness. With nearly 19,000 passing yards in college, his high floor and anticipation-driven style match Cleveland’s scheme.
Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett crowd the room, but if injuries or inefficiencies strike, Gabriel’s presence could stabilize a volatile team. His readiness might not win games directly, but it could prevent losses, a crucial distinction in tight playoff hunts.
The Browns’ Double Bet: Shedeur Sanders Adds Complexity
While Gabriel was a strategic pick, Shedeur Sanders was a calculated risk. His accuracy (74% completion rate) and poise offer long-term appeal, but entering camp as Cleveland’s fourth quarterback leaves him with a steep hill. However, the Browns’ aggressive move to trade up for him signals internal belief in what he brings to the party.
Should chaos strike the top of the depth chart, Sanders may see unexpected snaps. His clean, efficient style fits Kevin Stefanski’s offense, and in a late-season scenario, his ball control could tip the scales.
Backup Plans That Might Matter
Further down the board, several late-round picks might never see a snap in 2025, but they still matter.
Philadelphia’s Kyle McCord is competing for QB3, but his leadership and adaptability could make him the next long-term backup in the NFL’s most physical division. Pittsburgh’s Will Howard offers intriguing upside with the best Total Quarterback Rating in college football last season. He won’t replace Mason Rudolph or challenge Aaron Rodgers (should he play), but Howard could be a factor in future roster decisions.
In Indianapolis, Riley Leonard fits a mold the Colts value: developmental dual-threats. With Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones battling for QB1, Leonard is groomed as the long-term insurance policy. That structure limits his 2025 influence, but injuries or poor play could accelerate his path.
Wildcards and Long Plays
Some names are less likely to alter 2025 win totals but should remain on radars.
- Graham Mertz, recovering from ACL surgery, won’t push C.J. Stroud, but could quietly become the Texans’ QB2 next year,
- Cam Miller lands in Las Vegas as a developmental project behind Geno Smith. With 33 touchdowns to only four interceptions in 2024, Miller has a chance to ascend quickly should the depth chart open,
- Kurtis Rourke, still rehabbing a torn ACL, may not play in 2025 but is tailor-made for San Francisco’s efficient system. If forced into action, he’s already proven adept at elevating underdog teams,
- Quinn Ewers heads to Miami with a style that fits Mike McDaniel’s offense. Should Tua Tagovailoa go down (again), Ewers may find himself starting meaningful games. That alone could significantly shift AFC playoff math.
The Year of the Rookie?
Not all rookie quarterbacks are created equal, and neither is their impact. Cam Ward could single-handedly reshape Tennessee’s fate. Tyler Shough may stabilize the Saints post-Carr. Behind-the-scenes arms like Milroe, Gabriel, and even Ewers could become season-altering if used at the right moment.
In a league where one win can determine playoff seeding, home-field advantage, or a coach’s job security, the influence of rookie quarterbacks on win totals is both direct and nuanced. Whether through 17 starts or three snaps, these newcomers hold more power than their draft slot might suggest. Keep an eye on all 13; their impact will echo longer than most expect.
Content reflects information available as of 02/07/2025; subject to change.