How many QBs will be drafted in the 1st round?
Although the Titans will almost certainly pick Cam Ward first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterbacks aren't the story of this year's event.
There's a chance Ward is the only quarterback selected in the first round, which happened in 2022's opening round when Kenny Pickett was the lone quarterback taken.
Shedeur Sanders is a projected first-rounder and an intriguing prospect with raw talent, but NFL personnel haven't been shy about their concerns with his attitude. He could land anywhere from second overall to the second round.
Total quarterbacks drafted in the first round
| O 2.5 | U 2.5 |
|---|---|
| -130 | Even |
Beyond Ward, there's no guarantee another quarterback will be drafted Thursday night. While most would be surprised if Sanders falls to the second round, it's possible his red flags are too risky for an organization to spend first-round capital on.
His over/under prop mark is 8.5, but that's a -600 price to the over (86% implied probability). Some mock drafts have him going to the Saints at No. 9 and others have him falling to the Steelers at No. 21. That begs the question: Will a third quarterback be selected in the first 32 picks?
Oddsmakers say it's likely at least three quarterbacks go in the first round. Jaxson Dart is the most probable candidate to join Ward and Sanders. His draft position prop is 24.5, but the over is priced at -200 (67% implied probability).
ESPN's Peter Schrager projects the Giants will draft Dart at No. 26 in his latest mock draft. Dart is another polarizing prospect whom some scouts view as a star and others as a career backup. As the close betting line indicates, it shouldn't shock anyone if he slips out of the first round.
Sometimes teams make bold decisions on draft night and reach for quarterbacks. While no major mock draft predicts such, a team could also select Jalen Milroe in the opening round, which would undoubtedly hit the over on quarterbacks drafted.
Five teams are desperate for a quarterback in the short and long term: the Titans, Giants, Browns, Steelers, and possibly, the Saints. Some of them made offseason moves to address their quarterback situations, but none has a reliable option. Other teams with a dependable starter might want a quarterback for the future. But even with multiple organizations searching for their next signal-caller, few will likely pull the trigger in the first round of a draft with a weak class at the position.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.