2025 NFL Draft Rookie QB Debut: Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart Impress in Preseason Week 1

The first week of the 2025 NFL preseason gave us our initial look at the league’s newest crop of quarterbacks from the 2025 NFL Draft, and several made an immediate impression in their debut. From Shedeur Sanders’ poised two-touchdown debut for the Cleveland Browns to Jaxson Dart’s confident performance against Buffalo’s starters, these rookies wasted no time showcasing their talent. We break down and rank the top rookie QB performances from Week 1, including standout moments from Cameron Ward, Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, and Quinn Ewers in their NFL debut. Ranking the 2025 NFL Draft Rookie QB Debuts After Preseason Week 1 1. Shedeur Sanders – Cleveland Browns Drafted:  Round 5, Pick 144 Stat Line:  14/23, 138 yards, 2 TD | 19 rush yards Sanders took full advantage of starting reps with Pickett and Gabriel out. He was at his best on the move — rolling left for a TD to Kaden Davis, and right for a 30-yard strike to Luke Floriea with pressure in his face. Minor hiccups in the second half (slow start, near-pick) didn’t outweigh the command and playmaking he showed. Stock:  📈 Legitimate push to leapfrog Dillon Gabriel for QB2. 2. Jaxson Dart – New York Giants Drafted:  Round 1, Pick 25 Stat Line:  12/19, 154 yards, 1 TD | 24 rush yards Dart looked like a seasoned vet against Buffalo’s starters — calm in the pocket, accurate in tight windows, and willing to stand in against pressure. His poise and ability to keep the offense on schedule led to three scoring drives on four first-half possessions. The 28-yard TD to Lil’Jordan Humphrey showed NFL-level toughness and ball placement. Stock:  📈 Cementing QB2 role, pushing for situational packages this year. 3. Cameron Ward – Tennessee Titans Drafted:  Round 1, Pick 1 Stat Line:  5/8, 67 yards The Titans gave Ward a short leash — just two series — but he settled in after a three-and-out to lead an 11-play TD drive. Chemistry with Calvin Ridley popped (3 completions for 50 yards on that drive). The only blemish was a near-INT that fell incomplete. Stock:  ➡️ On track for Week 1 start, needs more live reps for rhythm. 4. Jalen Milroe – Seattle Seahawks Drafted:  Round 3, Pick 92 Stat Line:  6/10, 61 yards | 38 rush yards Milroe’s legs were as advertised — a 27-yard sprint showed elite burst — but he also delivered a few tight-window throws, including a dart over the middle to rookie Ricky White III. The offense was simplified for him, but you can see the ceiling if the passing consistency improves. Stock:  📈 Dynamic weapon, could have red-zone package role as a rookie. 5. Tyler Shough – New Orleans Saints Drafted:  Round 2, Pick 40 Stat Line:  15/22, 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT (Pick-6) Shough’s debut was the definition of a rollercoaster — efficient short passing, a bad route-jump pick-six, and then a gorgeous 54-yard TD strike. The arm talent is there, but his decision-making remains a work in progress. Stock:  ➡️ Still in the fight with Spencer Rattler for QB1, but inconsistency could cost him. 6. Quinn Ewers – Miami Dolphins Drafted:  Round 7, Pick 231 Stat Line:  5/18, 91 yards | 4 sacks, 2 lost fumbles Ewers’ welcome-to-the-NFL moment came in the form of relentless pressure — two strip-sack fumbles, including one in the red zone and another in a game-winning situation. The arm talent flashed on a couple of intermediate throws, but overall it was a rough night. Stock:  📉 Must improve pocket awareness and ball security. Scout’s Take: Biggest Week 1 Statement:  Shedeur Sanders; outplaying expectations and making the Browns’ QB room uncomfortable. Most Pro-Ready Look:  Jaxson Dart; command, accuracy, and poise against starters. High-Ceiling Flash:  Jalen Milroe; athletic profile is NFL level, just needs passing polish. Stock Watch Candidate:  Tyler Shough; one throw can wow, but one mistake can lose you the job.