Video: Mel Kiper Jr. discusses quarterback rankings of Shedeur Sanders, Beck and others in NFL Draft | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Mel Kiper Jr. has broken down the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

During an appearance on the ESPN program First draftThe NFL Draft analyst presented his current view of all the quarterbacks available for the upcoming NFL Draft.

He identified Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Georgia’s Carson Beck and Texas’ Quinn Ewers as the players “vying” to be the first available quarterback and who are clearly the top three.

Sanders, Beck and Ewers enter the 2024 season after strong seasons in 2023 and could be considered Heisman contenders. Sanders hopes to get Colorado back to bowl eligibility this season, while Beck and Ewers play for teams with legitimate hopes of winning the national championship.

Another intriguing option could be Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who Kiper said passed the eye test but needs to show more production on the field in order to move up the boards.

“He throws with anticipation and looks like the guy,” Kiper said. “He looks like ‘that guy,’ but he’s missing something … right now he’s ranked sixth or seventh in the quarterback rankings.”

Allar led Penn State to a 10-3 record in 2023 and the team has high hopes for 2024. However, Allar’s stats last season weren’t too impressive. He threw for 2,631 yards with 25 touchdowns and two interceptions, but he’ll need to be a true clutch player for Penn State to make the playoffs.

One player he doesn’t think too highly of is Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, whom he called a great player at the college level but someone who probably projects better as a backup.

“He’s a great college quarterback, no doubt,” Kiper said. “Is he a backup in the NFL, is he a starter? That’s going to be a debate. I currently have him as my No. 9, 10, 11 quarterback in this draft.”

Gabriel is in his sixth season with his third college program. He has had a lot of success and should make Oregon a contender for a high seed in the College Football Playoff.

However, his smaller frame could make him a less intriguing option for NFL teams and Kiper believes he has an uphill battle to cement a professional career.

The college season is just entering Week 2, so these quarterbacks have some time to solidify their status. However, Kiper’s early prediction should give NFL fans some names to keep an eye on.