Predicting When Every Rookie QB Will Make Their First NFL Start In 2025

In recent years, rookie QBs in the NFL have made a major impact.

C.J. Stroud was drafted second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and has completely changed the Houston Texans organization.

Jayden Daniels took the league by storm last season and led the Commanders to the NFC Championship game in his rookie campaign.

The 2025 QB draft class was not viewed as a strong class. Still, it’s exciting for fans when a rookie quarterback gets a chance to start.

Predicting When Every Rookie QB Will Make Their First NFL Start In 2025

Some QBs drafted in 2025 may never start. Some could start and struggle. However, a franchise strikes gold when a rookie QB succeeds like Stroud and Daniels.

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He will be the immediate starter for the Tennessee Titans, beginning in week 1.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Jaxson Dart was selected 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. The Giants have a very difficult schedule and may be out of the playoff picture early. Russell Wilson will likely start in week 1, but Dart will see the field this season. The latest Dart will start is after their bye in week 15, but it could very well be sooner in the season. Russell Wilson is a shell of himself, and the Giants will need to figure out what they have in Dart.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

Tyler Shough was drafted 40th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Shough was selected by a team that needs a quarterback. Shough should get the chance to start from week 1 as the Saints need to see if he is the long-term solution or not.

Dillion Gabriel & Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns

Dillon Gabriel was selected 94th, and Shedeur Sanders was selected 144th by the Cleveland Browns. This is a tricky situation. Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco are also on the roster. If Gabriel or Sanders shine in training camp, it is possible one of them could be under center in week 1. This is a QB room that is truly up for grabs.

Kyle McCord, Philadelphia Eagles

Kyle McCord was selected with the 181st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Eagles. McCord will not start this season with Jalen Hurts being the franchise QB for Philly.

Will Howard, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers took Howard 185th in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Aaron Rodgers finally signing with the Steelers and Mason Rudolph as the backup, it is unlikely that Howard gets a start this season. The only way is an injury to Rodgers and Rudolph plays very poorly.

Riley Leonard, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts selected Riley Leonard with the 189th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Indy has Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones on the roster, so it is unlikely Leonard sees any playing time this season.

Graham Mertz, Houston Texans

Graham Mertz was selected 197th by the Houston Texans. He will not start this season, barring an injury to Stroud. Even with an injury to Stroud, Davis Mills will likely start. Mertz starting in 2025 is very unlikely.

Cam Miller, Las Vegas Raiders

Cam Miller was taken with the 215th pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders signed Geno Smith to a two-year extension. It is unlikely Miller makes a start this season unless the Raiders give him a start in week 18 to see what he can do. Additionally, an injury to Smith could give Miller some reps, but it is unlikely that he will see much playing time, if any, this season.