Post-NFL Draft, it’s time to dive into rookie drafts, best ball drafts, and upcoming redrafts. I gathered our Footballguys staff to discuss rookie sleeper picks. First up, we shared thoughts on the quarterback position.
Today's question: Now that the NFL Draft is over and we know the landing spots, who is a rookie quarterback sleeper pick who has the potential to surprise everyone?
Chasing Upside
QB Jalen Milroe, Seattle Seahawks
Jeff Haseley: Jalen Milroe has the potential to make an impact this season. While Sam Darnold currently holds the starting position in Seattle, and Drew Lock serves as the backup, we have observed rookie quarterbacks stepping up and ascending the depth chart, particularly if an injury leads to their presence in the lineup. Milroe possesses the rushing skills that could deliver fantasy value if needed. He also received the William V. Campbell Trophy (Academic Heisman Award). Expect him to have a strong drive for preparation at the very least. If he adapts and grasps the offense quickly, he may emerge as a sleeper with the capacity to contribute due to his versatility and athleticism.<
Hutchinson Brown: Jalen Milroe is not a short-term investment in dynasty; this is an asset you’ll have to be patient with. Due to his raw skill set, he will likely not start week one. He is on a team where he can learn and develop behind an experienced veteran like Sam Darnold. He has played in many systems over his career, having serious success last year in Minnesota.
While Milroe does have a raw skill set, the flashes he had of being a capable NFL passer in college go unnoticed by many. Along with his poor showings, he had many moments of going through reads, delivering some beautiful passes at all ranges of the field, and had some great moments of pocket presence.
The moment Milroe steps on the field, he will immediately be a fantasy football contributor due to his rushing production. You’ll likely be able to plug and play him as a QB2 with upside. However, if he develops properly, he could become a star for Seattle and a stud in our fantasy lineups. He is regularly available late in the second round of Superflex rookie drafts. For the upside he gives, that is quite an exciting selection to make.
Ben Cummins: Jalen Milroe is a physical freak who runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and compiled 1,257 rushing yards and 32 rushing TDs over the past two seasons at Alabama. Milroe has to improve his mental processing as a pocket passer, but will be allowed to do so behind Sam Darnold. Milroe is reportedly a high-character human being and should be expected to put in the work. Should Darnold falter, as we saw at the end of last season, Milroe could be given a golden opportunity to start. When he plays, he will rack up the fantasy points because his elite rushing prowess is a cheat code. He has QB1 overall in fantasy upside, and that’s a home run swing I’ll take, even if the odds are weighted largely in favor of a strikeout.
Ryan Weisse: I have to jump on board with others and say Milroe. The situation isn't exactly the same, but it's giving shades of Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts. The Eagles spent more draft capital on Hurts than the Seahawks did on Milroe, but Wentz was also more expensive than Sam Darnold, and the Eagles still moved on more quickly than most thought. Milroe's athleticism brings something to the table that very few quarterbacks can offer. If Darnold struggles, and we are all familiar with Darnold's struggles, why not give Milroe a chance sooner rather than later?
Shough (pronounced Shuck) Time?
QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Jason Wood: Not to be a Debbie Downer, but rookie quarterbacks rarely surprise us in a good way. The NFL draft process is far from perfect, but late-round quarterbacks who do break the mold generally do so later in their careers, not as rookies.
But as an intellectual exercise, I'll throw out Tyler Shough. The Saints used a second-round pick to select the former Louisville Cardinal, and given Derek Carr's situation, Shough is widely considered the likely starter this year. New head coach Kellen Moore has proven an ability to adapt his offense to suit his team's strengths, and he'll be able to put Shough in a position to thrive, provided the Saints' offensive line can round into form.
Bob Harris: Count me in on Tyler Shough -- mostly because I get the feeling Derek Carr is in the process of checking out on the Saints. I also get the sense that would be fine with the Saints. Even if Carr sticks around, and even if the shoulder injury that's currently putting his 2025 season in question isn't as big of an issue as it sounds like, the 40th pick, the one they used on Shough last week, is the highest the Saints have taken a quarterback since they selected Archie Manning in the first round of the 1971 draft.
New coach Kellen Moore seems to be all in on Shough. And, as noted in the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide 3.0, with nearly 40 games of experience over six college seasons, Shough should be ready to jump into a starting role, even if it comes with the typical rookie mistakes.
And if he gets turns as the starter? I'm with Footballguy Alfredo Brown, who wrote: "Think of Shough as providing Jameis Winston-level production for the pass catchers in New Orleans."
Rachel Tootsiepop: One could look at the situation in New Orleans and either see a chaotic mess or see it as an opportunity to build for the future. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for the silver lining. The silver lining for New Orleans is Tyler Shough.
Shough was drafted in Round 2, pick 8. With Derek Carr possibly out for the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, can the Saints rely on Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener to handle the reins? When Carr went down with a thumb injury in Week 14 last season, Rattler took over but managed only a 57% completion rate. Do the Saints give the green light to Shough sooner rather than later? Shough passed for 3,195 yards for a 62% completion rate in his last year at Louisville. The potential is there.
Like a corn shuck—the outer layer of corn that peels away easily to reveal the good stuff inside—Shough could be the one to help New Orleans peel back the layers and get to their future.
