NFL Quarterback Rankings: Evaluating First-Round Picks from 2020 to 2025

Introduction

The NFL draft is a pivotal event for teams looking to secure their future, and quarterbacks are often the most scrutinized players. This article ranks every first-round quarterback drafted from 2020 through 2025, based on pre-draft evaluations. We also place Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, the top prospects in the 2025 draft, into this context.

Methodology

To compile these rankings, I consulted NFL scouts, decision-makers, and analysts. The focus was solely on pre-draft grades, with additional context provided by each quarterback's professional performance. Our goal is to compare these players as if they were all in the same draft class.

Rankings

1. Caleb Williams (2024)

Drafted: No. 1, Chicago Bears Williams was a Heisman Trophy winner with USC, known for his arm strength and playmaking ability. Despite a rocky rookie season, expectations are high for his sophomore year.

2. Trevor Lawrence (2021)

Drafted: No. 1, Jacksonville Jaguars Lawrence was a consensus five-star recruit and led Clemson to a 34-2 record. He improved significantly after a rough rookie season.

3. Joe Burrow (2020)

Drafted: No. 1, Cincinnati Bengals Burrow's 2019 season at LSU was one of the best ever by a college quarterback. He has since become one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

4. Jayden Daniels (2024)

Drafted: No. 2, Washington Commanders Daniels won the Heisman and led Washington to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season.

5. Drake Maye (2024)

Drafted: No. 3, New England Patriots Maye drew comparisons to Justin Herbert for his size and arm strength. He had a promising rookie season.

6. Tua Tagovailoa (2020)

Drafted: No. 5, Miami Dolphins Tagovailoa showed accuracy and poise at Alabama. His NFL career has been injury-riddled but productive when healthy.

7. Justin Herbert (2020)

Drafted: No. 6, Los Angeles Chargers Herbert dazzled at Oregon and has become a top NFL passer with a strong arm and mobility.

8. Bryce Young (2023)

Drafted: No. 1, Carolina Panthers Young was a Heisman winner at Alabama but struggled early in his NFL career.

9. Zach Wilson (2021)

Drafted: No. 2, New York Jets Wilson showed promise in college but has struggled to find consistency in the NFL.

10. C.J. Stroud (2023)

Drafted: No. 2, Houston Texans Stroud was a standout at Ohio State and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.

11. J.J. McCarthy (2024)

Drafted: No. 10, Minnesota Vikings McCarthy led Michigan to a national championship and is seen as a future NFL starter.

12. Trey Lance (2021)

Drafted: No. 3, San Francisco 49ers Lance showed potential but has been hindered by injuries and limited playing time.

13. Anthony Richardson (2023)

Drafted: No. 4, Indianapolis Colts Richardson is a physical specimen but has struggled with injuries and accuracy.

14. Justin Fields (2021)

Drafted: No. 11, Chicago Bears Fields showed promise as a runner but has battled inconsistency as a passer.

15. Mac Jones (2021)

Drafted: No. 15, New England Patriots Jones was efficient at Alabama but has seen his performance decline in the NFL.

16. Jordan Love (2020)

Drafted: No. 26, Green Bay Packers Love sat behind Aaron Rodgers and had a breakout season in 2023.

17. Bo Nix (2024)

Drafted: No. 12, Denver Broncos Nix was accurate and mobile in college and had a strong rookie season with Denver.

18. Cam Ward (2025)

Ward is the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 class, known for his arm talent and leadership.

19. Michael Penix Jr. (2024)

Drafted: No. 8, Atlanta Falcons Penix showed promise but was limited by injuries and age.

20. Shedeur Sanders (2025)

Sanders transferred from Jackson State to Colorado and shows accuracy and toughness.

21. Kenny Pickett (2022)

Drafted: No. 20, Pittsburgh Steelers Pickett had a solid rookie season but has struggled to establish himself as a long-term starter.

Conclusion

The NFL draft continues to be a crucial event for teams to find their franchise quarterbacks. While the rankings provide a snapshot, the true measure of success is how these players perform in the NFL.