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Jordan Reid
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Jordan Reid
NFL draft analyst
- Jordan Reid is an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, offering in-depth scouting on the nation’s prime professional prospects. Jordan joined ESPN in 2021 and likewise contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio. He performed quarterback at North Carolina Central College after which went on to educate there from 2014-18.
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NFL Nation
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NFL Nation
- NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cowl the NFL year-round throughout ESPN.com, ESPN tv reveals, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established forward of the 2013 season.
Whereas the 2025 NFL draft‘s quarterback class did not have as many prime picks as final yr, 13 signal-callers nonetheless went off the board over seven rounds. Two passers have been picked within the first spherical, and no less than one Day 2 choice has a great shot to start out Week 1.
So how does each quarterback match together with his new workforce? We took a better have a look at what’s subsequent for all 13 drafted passers.
NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid made sense of every quarterback’s scheme match and the way they might excel within the professionals, whereas our NFL Nation reporters targeted on every QB’s anticipated position together with his new workforce. And for early-round picks, Reid picked one space the place every passer could lead on the league in brief order, whereas fantasy soccer analyst Mike Clay projected rookie-year stat strains.
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Early-rounders | Center-rounders
Late-rounders
Early-rounders
Why he matches in Tennessee: The Will Levis experiment didn’t work out for the Titans, and new basic supervisor Mike Borgonzi wished to make a change. Enter Ward, who ought to be capable to bounce in instantly because of his playmaking means, unshakeable confidence and arm expertise. Coach Brian Callahan’s West Coast scheme is reliant on rhythm and timing, so Ward might want to work on staying in construction and being extra constant together with his accuracy. However he has proven adaptability in his three faculty stops and presents plenty of upside. — Reid
How the Titans can set him up for achievement: One of the best ways to maximise Ward’s potential is to cater the passing ideas to him so he is snug and assured instantly. Ward stated the offense he ran final season at Miami has plenty of similarities to what Callahan runs in Tennessee, in order that’s a great begin. However he wants stability round him to have long-term success. So Tennessee’s entrance workplace have to be affected person with Callahan and Ward and let their chemistry develop. — Turron Davenport
The realm the place he could lead on the league in 5 years: Landing passes from exterior the pocket. Ward is an thrilling playmaker who excels at making throws exterior the play-design framework. He can prolong performs and has a fearlessness which permits him to generate large positive factors when issues break down. — Reid
Clay’s 2025 projection: 3,391 passing yards, 20 landing passes, 13 interceptions (265 speeding yards, three landing runs)
Why he matches in New York: Brian Daboll has traditionally wished to push the ball down the sector, and he now has a quarterback able to that in Dart. The rookie has the arm energy and downfield contact to unfold the ball to Malik Nabers and the Giants’ different receivers. With veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston having signed short-term contracts with New York within the offseason, Dart ought to get a redshirt yr to transition from Lane Kiffin’s college-oriented system to Daboll’s scheme. That ought to set Dart as much as be the Giants’ starter in 2026. — Reid
How the Giants can set him up for achievement: With Wilson and Winston on the roster, there is not any stress to throw Dart on the sector. As an alternative, he’ll be capable to soak in information from his veteran teammates together with Daboll and quarterbacks coach Shea Tierney. Daboll and Tierney have been instrumental in Josh Allen‘s progress in Buffalo, and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was accountable for Patrick Mahomes‘ developmental program in Kansas Metropolis. They’re going to have a strong plan in place to get Dart prepared. — Jordan Raanan
The realm the place he could lead on the league in 5 years: Passes of 20-plus air yards. Dart was second within the FBS with 35 completions of 20-plus air yards, which was an enormous a part of Ole Miss’ high-octane air assault. That means to ship the ball to the deeper elements of the sector will add one other layer to Daboll’s playbook and permit the Giants to get much more out of Nabers and the remainder of their cross catchers. — Reid
Clay’s 2025 projection: 1,991 passing yards, 10 landing passes, eight interceptions (184 speeding yards, two landing runs)
Why he matches in New Orleans: With Derek Carr retiring on Saturday, all indicators level to a coaching camp battle between Shough and Spencer Rattler, New Orleans’ fifth-round decide final yr. Whereas accidents contributed to Shough having a seven-year faculty profession, he was wholesome final season at Louisville. He is an skilled pocket passer who seems to get the ball out on time and in rhythm, two tenets of recent coach Kellen Moore’s offense. Shough has the expertise (he’ll be 26 in September), soccer IQ and arm expertise to play instantly. — Reid
How the Saints can set him up for achievement: Carr’s retirement is an instantaneous profit to Shough, who will not should cope with these questions this summer season. It additionally permits the Saints to start tailoring their offense to their younger quarterbacks instantly. New Orleans has began to repair its offensive line however wants extra playmakers round its rookie QB. Maybe the Saints will dip again into free company to seek out one other receiver, as they’ve $23 million in accessible cap area. — Katherine Terrell
The realm the place he could lead on the league in 5 years: QBR on play-action. Shough is snug turning his again to the protection and resetting his eyes on throws, ending final season with 12 landing passes to just one interception on play-action. His 28 completions of 20-plus yards off play-action ranked third within the FBS. His consolation below middle permits him to excel in attacking defenses off play fakes. — Reid
Clay’s 2025 projection: 3,025 passing yards, 14 landing passes, 12 interceptions (206 speeding yards, two landing runs)
0:45
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Jeremy Fowler joins “SportsCenter” to debate quarterback Derek Carr’s retirement.
Center-rounders
Why he matches in Seattle: This match makes probably the most sense of the non-early-round passers. Milroe is explosive and may create large performs together with his legs whereas additionally throwing an correct deep ball. Sam Darnold is the unquestioned starter in Seattle, however Milroe will be capable to get on the sector in conditions that emphasize his operating means and robust arm. Do not be shocked if he makes a number of standout performs together with his legs and his arm as a rookie. — Reid
When he might get on the sector: Immediately — in a specialty position. Milroe must make enhancements as a passer, so he will not problem Darnold as QB1 and may not even beat out Drew Lock as QB2. However Seattle envisions Milroe enjoying just a few snaps per sport in packages that can reap the benefits of his operating means. The Seahawks can then use the 2025 season to evaluate his improvement and resolve subsequent offseason whether or not to proceed with him or Darnold, whose contract offers the Seahawks a possible out after one yr. — Brady Henderson
Why he matches in Cleveland: Kevin Stefanski’s offense is at its greatest when it depends on its West Coast roots. Meaning having a passer who performs on time and will get the ball out rapidly and effectively. That is Gabriel, who is determined by anticipation and timing together with his throws. He is undersized (6-foot, 200 kilos) and will not overwhelm together with his bodily instruments, however his passing element led to 18,722 yards over his faculty profession, the second most in FBS historical past. His fast decision-making and accuracy on short-to-intermediate passes undertaking effectively on the subsequent stage. — Reid
When he might get on the sector: Whereas Shedeur Sanders grabbed headlines, the Browns coveted Gabriel within the draft. Cleveland has veteran QBs (Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett), however Gabriel has loads of expertise himself, with 63 faculty begins. Even when he does not win the beginning job, do not be shocked if Gabriel will get a glance this season if the offense struggles, if solely to gauge his readiness earlier than a 2026 draft that is deeper at quarterback. The Browns have two first-round picks. — Daniel Oyefusi
Why he matches in Cleveland: Sanders enters a crowded quarterback room that has not solely veterans Flacco, Pickett and Deshaun Watson, but in addition one other rookie in Gabriel. It is going to be fascinating to see how this performs out. Sanders brings accuracy, poise and ball placement, which makes a really perfect slot in Stefanski’s offense. Sanders completed with an FBS excessive 74% completion share, and his accuracy ought to translate effectively. The Cleveland offense — just like the one Sanders had at Colorado — options many quick-hitting ideas. — Reid
When he might get on the sector: Getting drafted behind Gabriel provides a component of uncertainty to Sanders’ rookie season. Whereas he was broadly ranked forward of the third-rounder earlier than the draft, Sanders will doubtless start coaching camp because the fourth QB on the depth chart and will not be assured a roster spot. Cleveland did commerce up to draft him, which ought to afford him extra time to develop, however Sanders doubtless has an extended pathway to the sector until he utterly outplays his competitors. — Oyefusi
0:47
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Damien Woody explains why quarterback Shedeur Sanders is in a great place after being drafted by the Browns.
Late-rounders
Why he matches in Philadelphia: GM Howie Roseman is understood for his foresight, and drafting McCord creates competitors with Tanner McKee and Dorian Thompson-Robinson behind Jalen Hurts. McCord is a fast decision-maker who has the mandatory confidence to carve out a long-term backup position. He reinvented himself at Syracuse in 2024, engineering the Orange to solely their third 10-win season since 2000 whereas exhibiting the accuracy, adaptability and intangibles vital to stay within the NFL. — Reid
What can be his position? McCord will doubtless begin out competing for the No. 3 position with Thompson-Robinson, who arrived in a commerce with the Browns in March. McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick of Stanford, has maximized his restricted alternatives and earned the No. 2 position behind Hurts. McCord can have an opportunity to develop behind the scenes as a part of a high quality QB room. — Tim McManus
Why he matches in Pittsburgh: Whereas it was shocking to see Pittsburgh wait till Spherical 6 to select a quarterback, Howard is a perfect match. His 89.6 QBR topped the FBS, whereas his 73% completion share ranked second. He has wonderful dimension (6-foot-4, 235 kilos) and mobility, and he continues to enhance as a passer. — Reid
What can be his position? Although the Steelers are ready on Aaron Rodgers‘ resolution, Howard’s position is unlikely to alter both means. Proprietor Artwork Rooney II stated as a lot in a radio interview through the draft, saying “it is unlikely” a drafted QB would “have a huge impact on this season.” So Howard tasks to be the No. 2 or No. 3 QB on the depth chart behind no less than Mason Rudolph in Week 1. And whereas he represents good worth as a sixth-round decide, he nonetheless must develop if he’ll be a beginning NFL quarterback sooner or later. — Brooke Pryor
Why he matches in Indianapolis: With Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones coming into a heated battle to be the Colts’ beginning quarterback, Leonard can be allowed to develop. He’s a dual-threat quarterback who can reap the benefits of fast throws and use his mobility to create off schedule. He nonetheless must belief his preliminary reads extra, however Leonard has long-term backup potential due to his bodily traits and management. — Reid
What can be his position? Leonard was on the Colts’ radar all through the draft course of, and so they seem to have a set plan for him. Indianapolis has been inclined to maintain three QBs on the energetic roster in latest seasons, and Leonard has a terrific probability to be that third quarterback as he develops. There is a path to him changing into the first backup in future seasons if he earns it. — Stephen Holder
Why he matches in Houston: C.J. Stroud is the unquestioned starter in Houston, however the Texans are hoping Mertz can construct on the flashes he confirmed with the Gators in 2023, when he accomplished 72.9% of his passes for two,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions. He performed in solely 5 video games in 2024 earlier than struggling a torn left ACL however accomplished 76.6% of his passes in that stretch. This season can be about restoration and improvement, and Mertz has acquired reward for his intangibles and a focus to element. — Reid
What can be his position? Mertz is predicted to compete for the No. 3 position upon coming back from his torn ACL, as Stroud and Davis Mills are entrenched within the prime two spots of the Texans’ quarterback depth chart. With Mills set to be a free agent subsequent offseason, Houston hopes Mertz can evolve into a high quality backup for Stroud. — DJ Bien-Aime
Why he matches in Las Vegas: Miller enters a state of affairs the place he can sit and develop behind entrenched starter Geno Smith. He’s a exact, correct passer who threw for 3,251 yards, 33 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in 2024. Miller can even run, as he gained 1,260 yards and 25 touchdowns the previous two seasons. — Reid
What can be his position? The Raiders worth Miller’s accuracy, however they have been additionally impressed by his management and monitor report through the predraft course of. He led North Dakota State to 2 FCS nationwide championships and a 45-11 report. The highest two slots on the QB depth chart are set, as Las Vegas traded for Geno Smith and trusts Aidan O’Connell — who has began 17 video games in two seasons — because the backup. So it is Miller and Carter Bradley competing for QB3 if the Raiders resolve to maintain three quarterbacks on the energetic roster. — Ryan McFadden
Why he matches in San Francisco: Rourke landed in a terrific spot, because the 49ers are identified for with the ability to develop passers. He’s a tall (6-foot-5) pocket passer with a robust sufficient arm to check tight home windows and the contact to layer the ball downfield. He’s a real distributor who can ship the ball effectively and precisely — staples of the Kyle Shanahan offense. Regardless of a torn proper ACL, Rourke led Indiana to its first-ever 10-win season and a playoff berth. — Reid
What can be his position? The torn ACL might put Rourke on the bodily unable to carry out/reserve record, with Shanahan saying that Rourke is “a man who may not be prepared for one more yr.” If the rookie is ready to get on the sector before anticipated, he’d compete with Tanner Mordecai for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind starter Brock Purdy and backup Mac Jones. — Nick Wagoner
Why he matches in Miami: The Dolphins dwell off fast throws and letting their ability gamers acquire yards after the catch. Mike McDaniel’s offense is an ideal match for Ewers, who tasks greatest in a scheme that includes plenty of run-pass choices and operates primarily over the center of the sector. Ewers has limitations throwing the ball downfield, however that is much less of a problem in Miami’s scheme. Tua Tagovailoa‘s sturdiness issues and Zach Wilson‘s inconsistency might work in Ewers’ favor down the street. — Reid
What can be his position? Ewers will compete with Wilson to be Tagovailoa’s backup and may very well be the QB2 regardless in 2026, as Wilson is ready to be a free agent following the season. Tagovailoa’s damage historical past makes Miami’s backup job one of many league’s most necessary. Ewers might get on the sector this season; 2022 seventh-round decide Skylar Thompson began a playoff sport throughout his rookie season in Miami. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
