2025 NFL Draft: Carson Beck Bounces Back and QB Options for Top 10 Teams

2025 NFL Draft: Carson Beck Bounces Back and QB Options for Top 10 Teams0 of 9

Georgia quarterback Carson BeckJohn Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The quarterback picture for the 2025 NFL draft is a mess, both for the prospects and franchises.

As of now, two prospects—Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward—appear to be the only first-round locks, though neither should be viewed the definitive QB1 at this juncture. In fact, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department currently has identical grades on both.

Georgia’s Carson Beck was in that conversation initially. Unfortunately, he hasn’t played like a first-round quarterback for nearly the entirety of the 2024 campaign. However, he helped himself greatly this past weekend when facing the Tennessee Volunteers. In that contest, he finally looked like the quarterback everyone expected him to be this season.

From that point forward, the picture couldn’t be muddier. Numerous college signal-callers have looked great one week only to disappoint the next. Some such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe present huge upside but significant downside, while others like Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel have certain limitations.

Yet numerous squads among the projected top-10 draft picks (prior to Thursday’s matchup) are searching for a new franchise quarterback. There’s not enough quality options to go around, which will make some situations rather difficult.

B/R scouts Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Dame Parson and Matt Holder will break down the trending prospects from Week 12 before we dive into the options those quarterback-needy squads may have when looking at their current predicaments.

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San Jose State’s Nick Nash catches a touchdown pass against the Boise State Broncos. Eakin Howard/Getty Images

1. QB Carson Beck, Georgia

Beck previously found himself in a conversation that no prospect wants to be part of, as the most disappointing based on preseason expectations.

Momentum finally started to shift toward the positive during Saturday’s meeting with the Tennessee Volunteers, where he looked comfortable in the pocket and made the type of NFL throws that scouts saw during the 2023 campaign.

“Beck had his best game of the year against Tennessee,” Parson said. “He showcased the accuracy and ball placement for which he was previously applauded. He was decisive in where he went with the football. The quarterback also used his legs to evade the pass rush, breaking contain and rushing for one of his three total touchdowns.

“Beck played his most confident game of the season. More outings like his latest will push him back up draft boards.”

2. WR Nick Nash, San Jose State

Quick, name the FBS’ leading receiver. No clue? Well, the answer should be obvious.

Most don’t know much about Nash or the fact that he has 1,282 receiving yards and 14 touchdown grabs. Two questions persisted: Was he a byproduct of a Run N’ Shoot-based scheme and did he simply feed off of inferior competition?

Well, the latter isn’t true since he provided 439 yards against the Spartans’ toughest opposition: the Oregon State Beavers, Washington State Cougars and Boise State Broncos.

“Nash is having an outstanding season, even though opposing defenses know exactly where the football is going in San Jose State’s passing attack,” Parson said. “He is a big slot receiver, who has showcased his incredible ball skills and catch-point prowess. His background as a former quarterback shows up in the quick game, as he reaches his landmarks with proper timing aligned with his QB’s drop back.

“Nash continues to dominate the competition and win all over the field.”

3. RB Jordan James, Oregon

Another week with yet another running back rising to the occasion in what looks like a loaded class of ball-carriers.

James excelled in two of the last three weeks against the Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines, when the Ducks coaching staff leaned on the 5’10”, 210-pound junior.

“James is a sturdy ball-carrier with quick feet to make defenders miss,” Parson said. “In terms of punishment and contact, he delivers and absorbs them well. He changes run lanes/gaps well with patience and footwork. He finishes runs with power and behind his pads.

“Against Wisconsin, James had 25 carries for 121 yards and a rushing touchdown. The more carries, the better he performs.”

4. CB Zy Alexander, LSU

The LSU Tigers disappointed during an upset loss to an unranked Florida Gators squad. However, Alexander has quietly been rock solid in coverage each and every week, thus seeing his draft stock rise throughout the campaign.

“Alexander is trending upward as a physical cornerback with significant upside,” Gidding said. “At 6’2” and 194 pounds, his length and athleticism have always been strengths. However, recent development has allowed him to excel at a higher level after his transfer to LSU prior to the 2023 season.

“His growth as a press-coverage specialist, using his size to control receivers off the line and downfield, has turned heads. His ability to track the ball and make plays in the air has become one of his defining traits, showcasing an improved understanding of timing and positioning.

“While there are still needed areas for continued refinement, particularly in his transitions and consistency with hand usage, Alexander’s progression shows that he’s gaining confidence and improving with the nuances of his game.”

5. TE Oscar Delp, Georgia

To quote the long-running M&M Christmas commercial: “He does exist!”

Delp was supposed to be the Georgia tight end who filled the void left by Brock Bowers. Instead, the Bulldogs didn’t incorporate the position much in the passing game. He caught all of nine passes until Saturday’s meeting against Tennessee.

Beck targeted his tight end for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

“Delp showcased his physicality as a route-runner and separation ability,” Giddings said. “He did a great job tracking the football and making grabs in traffic. His acceleration and athleticism need to be utilized more for Georgia’s offense to continue its positive output from last week.”

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Former Boston College quarterback Thomas CastellanosMaddie Malhotra/Getty Images

1. QB Thomas Castellanos

To be clear, Castellanos was previously viewed as an undersized and athletic developmental prospect. Though as a draft-eligible junior, he had to be on scouts’ radars.

However, his actions this past week don’t bode well when he’s eventually placed in front of NFL personnel and questioned about his leadership qualities.

“Castellanos was having a subpar season as a passer, which caused him to be benched by Boston College’s coaching staff,” Parson said. “Castellanos decided to enter the transfer portal shortly thereafter.

“Quitting behavior from a supposed team leader needs to serve as a cautionary tale, even in today’s NIL-dominant world. When all of this is combined with his limited physical stature and attributes, the possibility of eventually becoming a draftable quarterback will be an uphill climb.”

2. RB Phil Mafah, Clemson

If you sat on the couch and watched the Clemson Tigers play the Pittsburgh Panthers, you nearly averaged as many yards per carry as Phil Mafah did.

The senior ball-carrier gained only 17 yards on 17 attempts, which highlighted his weaknesses as a tight, build-up-speed runner.

“Mafah is having the best season of his career and is about to cross the 1,000 rushing-yard mark for the first time,” Parson said. “Last weekend proved to be his worst outing of the season. He did not have room to work and could not generate much on his own.

“Mafah is a momentum downhill runner, but his offensive line did not give him opportunities to gain a head of steam against Pitt’s defense. Quick defensive pressure stifled his rush attempts all game.”

3. S Tysheem Johnson, Oregon

As the season has progressed, an overall body of work developed. The Oregon Ducks are still on top of the college football world, as the nation’s top-ranked team, but the arrow isn’t pointing upward in every individual case.

“Johnson’s draft stock is trending down, as his physical limitations and coverage struggles have begun to overshadow his strengths,” Giddings said. “At 5’10” and 200 pounds, his lack of ideal size and length has become a more significant concern, in both the run and pass game. While his quick-twitch athleticism and physicality make him a willing tackler, his inability to disengage from larger blockers and struggles with breaking fluidly in coverage are limiting his impact. His tight hips and rounded breaks hinder his ability to cover receivers, while his overaggressive style often leads to grabbing or holding penalties.

“Despite his high football IQ and quick reactions, Johnson’s inability to consistently shed blockers and his coverage issues, especially against bigger, more athletic opponents, make it clear that his potential is capped.”

4. OT Earnest Greene III, Georgia

Questions about Georgia Earnest Green III existed prior to this season despite starting all 14 games as a redshirt freshman and being named to the SEC All-Freshman squad. But those centered on whether his frame was better suited at tackle or guard.

Now, questions about level of performance are at the forefront.

“Greene has been rotated in and out of the lineup at various points of the year, as have other Georgia linemen in an attempt to create a spark and provide opportunities for younger talent to gain experience which is also a testament to the inconsistencies of the starters,” Thorn said. “He has a wide-bodied, guard frame with shaky strike timing and use of hands that sap his mass and girth, causing a tardy anchor in pass protection.

“Greene does flash heavy hands that can jolt and stun defenders when they land but those reps are sandwiched between an array of quick, clean losses due to missing his target and overextending that have not leveled off at this point, which could signal a possible return to school.”

5. TE Brant Kuithe, Utah

Availability is an ability. Kuithe may be one of the nation’s most talented tight ends, but he needs to be on the field.

The seventh-year senior, who earned three consecutive second-team All-Pac-12 nods from 2019 to 2021, has now ended three straight seasons with major injuries.

“Kuithe is a talented pass-catching tight end prospect,” Parson said, “but injuries have plagued him since his senior year of high school. After a nice start to the season with the average-at-best quarterback play, he suffered another season-ending injury.

“The talented slot receiving option had a chance to put the past few seasons behind him. Unfortunately, he will have to see how the draft process goes while recovering yet again.”

Tennessee Titans3 of 9

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will LevisAndy Lyons/Getty Images

Option 1: Stand Pat and Take Whichever Quarterback Is Available

The Tennessee Titans don’t need to worry if they ultimately land the second overall pick, which is where they currently stand.

The Jacksonville Jaguars now find themselves in the top spot and will almost assuredly look to trade down if that stays true, because Trevor Lawrence isn’t going anywhere.

At a minimum, Jacksonville will send out feelers making sure everyone knows it’s fielding offers for the first pick.

The Titans don’t need to call their rival’s bluff or worry about another team acquiring the No. 1 overall pick. Tennessee can be secure knowing it will get one of, if not the best quarterback prospect in next year’s draft class just by standing pat.

Some may argue a slight trade-up should be on the table just to ensure Tennessee gets its preferred choice. First, there’s no guarantee that a fellow AFC South competitor will oblige. Second, the Titans could just as easily end up with the class’ top quarterback, a la the Houston Texans with C.J. Stroud after the Carolina Panthers chose Bryce Young.

There’s no need to go any further with these scenarios since the Titans are positioned well despite their ongoing lost season.

Cleveland Browns4 of 9

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Option 1: Trade Up To the No. 1 Overall Pick

Prior to Thursday’s matchup with the hated Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns owned the third overall pick in the proverbial “if the NFL draft were held today” debate.

Initially, Jameis Winston provided the Browns with a short-term boost after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. But the 30-year-old’s performance has been far too erratic for the franchise to consider him as anything more than a fill-in.

Meanwhile, the ownership and front office must decide what to do with the albatross that is Watson’s fully guaranteed contract.

Whatever the case may be, Cleveland can’t move forward with either as its projected starter. A clean slate with an exciting rookie quarterback should provide the entire organization with rejuvenated energy.

The hang-up is that the Browns are not positioned to be guaranteed one of the top two QB prospects. The phone should be ringing in Jacksonville and general manager Andrew Berry—or whoever is calling the shots in Cleveland next year—will be on the other line.

Option 2: Stand Pat and See How the Board Falls

As mentioned with the Tennessee Titans, the Browns can call any potential bluff from the Jacksonville Jaguars in regards to trading out of the one-hole.

Obviously, a significant amount of risk applies with this possibility and a gambler’s mentality is needed to make it work while running the risk of going bust.

The Browns have to know a logjam of quarterback-starved teams are sitting directly behind them in the order. It all comes down to whether those organization are willing to surrender a windfall of assets to land either of next year’s top quarterback prospects or the Jaguars want to stay put and possibly select a unique talent in Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who is the highest-rated prospect overall.

At worst, the Browns miss on Sanders and Ward, then take a big swing on Milroe, based on his immense natural potential as an athlete and thrower.

New York Giants5 of 9

New York Giants quarterback Daniel JonesMario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Option 1: Stand Pat and Sign Sam Darnold

The Daniel Jones era as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback mutually agreed to release him on Friday, with crowd favorite Tommy DeVito taking the offensive reins.

Jones has been given every opportunity over four-and-a-half seasons to prove he can be the Giants’ franchise quarterback. The front office even handed him a four-year, $160 million contract extension prior to the start of the 2023 campaign.

The 2019 sixth overall draft pick did nothing to take command of the team or play with enough consistency to at least make the Giants competitive on a regular basis.

Financially, New York can release Jones next offseason with a post-June 1 designation and save $30.5 million, per Over The Cap.

The Giants aren’t necessarily a team looking to start over, not with the current front office and coaching staff in place. Instead, they should be the team that goes hard after Sam Darnold thanks to his reemergence as a quality starter for the Minnesota Vikings.

Darnold is playing under a one-year deal. The Vikings, meanwhile, have this year’s 10th overall pick, J.J. McCarthy, waiting in the wings.

From there, New York can add another top-10 talent, preferably on offense, and continue to build around a veteran signal-caller.

Option 2: Signs Justin Fields and Wait for 2026 QB Class

If Darnold’s asking price is prohibitive or not in line with the Giants’ valuation, plus the team still isn’t entirely comfortable going with a rookie quarterback, Justin Fields becomes an intriguing possibility.

Head coach Brian Daboll has worked with a toolsy quarterback who needed development over time. Fields isn’t Josh Allen, of course, but it’s easy to envision Daboll taking another gifted athlete and finding ways to properly deploy him.

Fields would get a year to prove he’s starting material, while the Giants reset the draft clock for at least another cycle when a potentially more talented crop of signal-callers may be available. (*cough* Arch Manning *cough*).

Option 3: Pull the Trigger On a First-Round Quarterback Now

The problem with this particular approach is where the Giants sit in the draft order. They’re not guaranteed one of the top two QB prospects. Also, teams directly behind them are likely more desperate and willing to trade up to the first overall pick if possible.

Milroe is a possibility here based on everything previously said about Daboll but repackaged with crimson wrapping.

Las Vegas Raiders6 of 9

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio PierceMegan Briggs/Getty Images

Option 1: Do Everything In Their Power to Secure Shedeur Sanders

First, let’s start with the obvious assumption that the Las Vegas Raiders must go all-in to acquire their long-term franchise quarterback next offseason.

Once that baseline is established, the options will be geared toward the drastic nature of the franchise’s situation and what it must do to accomplish the aforementioned goal.

Shedeur Sanders is the goal. He’s legitimately in the conversation as next year’s QB1. The two sides have been eyeing each other all season because they know they can’t let their true feelings be known. Ultimately, the Raiders need to make a move.

While sitting at the fifth overall pick, Las Vegas is well within striking distance of trading up for Sanders and it should. But this particular setup may require more.

As pure speculation, owner Mark Davis might strongly consider a twofer by firing head coach Antonio Pierce after only one season and bringing Sanders’ father, Deion, along for the ride.

It may seem to be a lot, but these moves will accomplish two goals. First, the Raiders manipulate their way into a top quarterback prospect; second, excitement will abound in Sin City.

Option 2: Be Somewhat Patient and Not Specifically Target Sanders

The NFL is a quarterback-driven league. The Raiders understand this as well as anyone, while struggling through a 2-8 start with Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder as their quarterbacks.

Las Vegas is right in the mix with the league’s worst teams and could find itself even higher in the draft order when everything is all said and done.

Whatever the case turns out to be, the Raiders will be going full steam ahead for a quarterback after missing out during this year’s historic draft class. Maybe Sanders isn’t the solution, but Las Vegas can still look to trade up and target Ward.

If all of that falls through, the organization must remain open-minded to other options. Milroe, Georgia’s Carson Beck, LSU’s Doug Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar might come into play.

A new quarterback will be wearing black and silver come next April. The only discussion is how the Raiders attack that problem and its eventual solution.

New York Jets7 of 9

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Option 1: Move on From Aaron Rodgers and Draft a First-Round Quarterback

The New York Jets went all-in with the acquisition of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers last year, and the move backfired.

The organization acquiesced to Rodgers, which resulted in three wins over a season-and-a-half, as well as head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas being fired along the way.

At this juncture, the best path forward is without Rodgers and a clean slate for the entire franchise. In order to do so, the Jets must pair a young quarterback with ownership’s eventual chosen regime. So, it’s difficult to project exactly which prospect the team will prefer.

The Jets aren’t positioned well to get one of the top two QB prospects, especially with the rival New England Patriots currently sitting one spot ahead of them and no need for a quarterback, which means another team could trade ahead of the Jets. They’re almost certainly not going to entertain the idea of bringing Sam Darnold back.

This point is where it feels like a reach may occur. Then again, Bo Nix was viewed similarly a year ago, and he’s playing extremely well for the Denver Broncos. Though that point further emphasizes the fit between prospect and incoming coaching staff.

Option 2: Sign Justin Fields or Trade for Malik Willis

While two different suggestions fall under this umbrella, they’re basically the same approach.

At this point, Rodgers appears to be cooked. Some may want to give it another run with one year remaining on his current deal. But ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that owner Woody Johnson already broached the subject of benching the 40-year-old, whether is was said in jest or not.

Fields and Willis are lumped together because they’re highly athletic quarterbacks who will require the Jets adopting a run-first mentality, which makes a lot of sense with Breece Hall and Braelon Allen in the same backfield.

Again, the next hire as head coach will determine a lot, but the Jets can build an entirely new offensive identity by taking a more unconventional approach.

Carolina Panthers8 of 9

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce YoungMatt Kelley/Getty Images

Option 1: Stick with Bryce Young as Starting Quarterback

Yes, head coach Dave Canales made the decision to bench Bryce Young earlier this season. And only an off-field accident to Andy Dalton led to the 2023 No. 1 overall pick being reinserted into the lineup.

But the Carolina Panthers are showing signs of life as a young roster grows together.

Considering Young is only 23 and has yet to finish his second season as a professional athlete, the Panthers should slow-play this process and continue to build around their previous investment.

Granted, an upcoming three-game stretch against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles looks extremely difficult. How the 23-year-old responds when facing more adversity now that he’s back in the lineup will be quite telling.

To be fair, some mention needs to be made that Carolina has shifted to a heavier run approach, with Chuba Hubbard leading the way and Jonathon Brooks set to join the lineup.

Still, if that’s what’s necessary for Young to build confidence and eventual develop into the quarterback the Panthers originally envisioned, it needed to be done.

Option 2: Hedge Bets By Drafting a Quarterback A Little Later in the Draft Process

The Panthers won’t be forced to use another top-10 draft pick on a quarterback, even if they’re not entirely sold on Young.

Instead, the organization can wait a little and take a prospect either on Day 2 or 3 to hedge its bet. While the opening round is the most likely way to acquire a starting quarterback, a few non-first-rounders can be found around the league.

Besides, this approach is based on not giving up on Young so early in the process. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a Ron Wolf-like approach of selecting a quarterback nearly every year to make sure the position is addressed.

A senior prospect like Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke or Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart may be available a little further down the board to draft, develop and compete alongside Young.

New Orleans Saints9 of 9

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek CarrSean Gardner/Getty Images

Option 1: Draft the Preferred Option Among Remaining QB Prospects

The New Orleans Saints are easily in the worst possible position of any franchise, period.

The organization needs to hire a new head coach after firing Dennis Allen midseason. General manager Mickey Loomis faces salary-cap hell for the umpteenth time. Clearly, Derek Carr isn’t the solution at quarterback. Lastly, the team hasn’t been bad enough to find itself in strong draft position.

All New Orleans can do is take its medicine, work its way into salary-cap compliance again and likely land a quarterback prospect not viewed as a top-tier option.

However, an investment in someone like Beck may be the most interesting option. Entering the season, the Georgia quarterback was viewed as a top-10 prospect, but he didn’t play to that level through most of this season.

As noted earlier, his performance during this past weekend’s game revived some of that early first-round discussion.

If Sanders, Ward and Milroe are off the board and the Saints are dead set on taking a quarterback to replace Carr, Beck may be the most logical option.

Option 2: Go Bargain Shopping with QB Position

Keep the following in mind, the Saints are currently $62.8 million over the projected 2025 salary cap, according to Over The Cap.

Carr’s release with a post-June 1 designation brings a $30 million salary-cap saving, though that number won’t immediately help the team reach compliance at the beginning of the new league year. Still, the veteran’s departure seems likely.

Cost-controlled contracts are key.

The Saints should pursue Justin Fields on a veteran-minimum deal and allow him the opportunity to prove he can be a starting QB again, as well as reunite with former Ohio State teammate Chris Olave.

From there, another quarterback can be drafted during the event’s second or third day to develop. Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard and Kansas’ Jalon Daniels are interesting athletic options who would fit well backing up Fields.

Again, the potential fit with a new head coach will go a long way to determining the Saints’ direction.