By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
At least one quarterback will go near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Titans need a signal caller and one of the best two QBs in this year’s draft hails from schools in the West. We could see even more.
While this year’s draft might be a bit weak at most of the skill positions, the same cannot be said of the running back spot, which is loaded with talent.
And the best of the bunch hails from the West in Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Among a deep crop of RBs this season with a lot of talent at the top end I fully expect three players from the region to get drafted.
I would not be surprised to hear a fourth called as well.
Here’s a look at the top four quarterback prospects, followed by the top four running back prospects, with my assessment of when they will go in the draft.
Top 2025 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects from West
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado — First Round
Shedeur Sanders should be among the first 10 picks in the opening round of the draft and should be among the top two QBs selected (Titans at one are high on Cam Ward).
Sanders’ biggest asset is his precision in throwing the ball. He can accurately make all the throws, whether in the pocket or on the run.
Having played the last two seasons in Pat Shurmur’s offense should have him ready for a pro-style offense from day one.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon —Day 2, Second or Third Round
The former Duck lacks the prototypical size of an NFL quarterback, and his age and even the fact that he is left-handed could scare some teams away.
His plus is a huge upside and a ton of athleticism. He could go early in the second round to the Giants, or he could play the waiting game on the Friday of the draft.
Simply put, he has a lot of upside but also a lot of potential pitfalls.
Ultimately his draft position and NFL career will hinge on going to the right team. In the right fit, he could thrive; in the wrong system, he could flame out.
Will Rogers, Washington — Late Day 3 or Undrafted Free Agent
Rogers is very accurate on short and intermediate routes and puts the ball where receivers can make plays. However, the former Huskey is limited by his arm strength and throwing the deep ball.
He could be worth a flyer for a team utilizing a West Coast attack.
At the NFL level, he projects as a backup but will make good decisions with the football and produce in the red zone.
Cam Miller, North Dakota State — Late Day 3 or UDFA
Miller has won two National Championships at the FCS level and is a dual threat who finds the endzone.
The former Bison signal caller would be a project but his ability to make plays against zone defenses and his mobility could make him a desirable late target.
Top 2025 NFL Draft Running Prospects from West
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State — Mid-First Round
Ashton Jeanty has the speed to break off long ones in the NFL and he is built to carry a heavy load.
He is slightly small for a true power back but makes up for it with speed that could turn him into a big play threat. Jeanty is also shifty enough to make NFL linemen miss him in the box.
The former Bronco can be a bellcow in the NFL and a potential All-Pro.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State — Fourth Round
Skattebo will get the tough yards and fight for every inch. He lacks the speed to be a home run threat at the next level but he runs very hard through the tackles.
His style is that of a prototypical NFL power back. He has good hands that will make him an option in the passing game. What he lacks in speed he will make up for in yards after contact.
He has been all over the place on draft boards from the early third round to the seventh round. I think he goes closer to the Third or Fourth Round than at the tail end.
Jordan James, Oregon — Fourth Round
Jordan James plays bigger than he is. He is a lot more physical than his frame would indicate at 5’9 and 205 pounds.
He will be able to get the tough yards at the next level. Despite his physical style, he can make defenders miss with his change of direction.
James does not have the top-end speed to be a big play threat in the NFL but he will be drafted on his ability to get tough yards.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona — Late Day 3 or UDFA
Merrit did not see much action for the Wildcats in 2024 due to eligibility issues, but he shined with New Mexico in 2023.
He is an explosive runner and a threat in the open field. His ability to make plays in space was on display in the Wast-West Shrine bowl where he went for 97 yards on 11 carries.
High-end explosiveness makes him an attractive option late in the draft for a team needing a big hitter.
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
