Breaking news: 2025 NFL draft QBs: Bowl questions for Sanders, Ward, Milroe

2025 NFL Draft QBs: Bowl Questions for Sanders, Ward, Milroe

As the 2024 college football season winds down and teams prepare for the bowl games, the spotlight is already shifting toward the 2025 NFL Draft. Among the most intriguing prospects in this year’s quarterback class are Shedeur Sanders, Michael Penix Jr., and Jalen Milroe. These players have demonstrated impressive skills and potential, but with the NFL Draft still a few months away, there are still significant questions to be answered regarding their development, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. The bowl games serve as a pivotal opportunity for these quarterbacks to solidify their draft stock or potentially raise concerns for scouts and team decision-makers.

Each of these quarterbacks has a unique skill set and has played a significant role for their respective programs. However, as we enter the final stages of the college football season, these players must prove they can handle the pressure of high-stakes bowl games, especially with an eye toward their NFL futures. In this article, we will look at the key questions surrounding Shedeur Sanders of Colorado, Michael Penix Jr. of Washington, and Jalen Milroe of Alabama as they prepare for their bowl games. These questions will ultimately determine their draft stock and how ready they are for the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) – Can He Maintain Consistency in Big Games?

Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, burst onto the scene with a remarkable 2023 season under the guidance of his father at Colorado. The younger Sanders has become a rising star in college football, showcasing his impressive arm strength, leadership, and poise under pressure. His performance in the 2024 season has shown flashes of brilliance, making him one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, despite his impressive skill set, there are still questions about Sanders’ ability to maintain consistency in big games, especially when facing elite competition. He has shown moments of greatness, but there have been games where his decision-making and accuracy have faltered. As Sanders leads Colorado into a bowl game, scouts will be looking closely at how he performs against top-tier defenses.

Key Question: Can Sanders Handle the Pressure in a High-Profile Bowl Game?

One of the most pressing questions surrounding Sanders is whether he can prove that his play can remain at an elite level when the pressure is on. Throughout the season, Sanders’ performance in crucial moments has been somewhat inconsistent. Against high-ranked teams, he has been prone to making mistakes, such as throwing interceptions under duress or misreading defensive coverages.

The bowl game presents Sanders with a crucial opportunity to show scouts that he can thrive under pressure. A strong performance would not only elevate his stock but also prove that he has the mental fortitude to succeed in the NFL. The ability to stay calm and execute in high-pressure situations is essential for any NFL quarterback, and Sanders must demonstrate that he can handle that pressure in a bowl game setting.

Another critical aspect to watch is Sanders’ ability to read defenses and adjust his play. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in throwing deep passes and displaying accuracy, the next step for Sanders is mastering the nuances of the game. NFL scouts will want to see how he reacts to complicated defensive schemes and how he adjusts his game plan when things aren’t going according to script.

What to Watch for in the Bowl Game:

• Decision-making under pressure, particularly in tight situations.
• Ability to read complex defenses and make adjustments in real time.
• Continued development of his deep ball accuracy and short-range precision.

Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) – Can He Prove His Durability and Handling of Big-Game Situations?

Michael Penix Jr. has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football over the past few seasons. Playing at Washington, he has exhibited exceptional accuracy, vision, and leadership, leading the Huskies to major wins and gaining attention as one of the top quarterbacks available in the 2025 draft. Penix’s stats—especially his passing yards and touchdowns—have been impressive, and he is widely regarded as one of the most NFL-ready quarterbacks of the 2025 class.

However, questions about Penix’s durability have plagued his career. He’s had a history of injuries, most notably to his knees, which have limited him in the past. While he’s looked healthy and strong throughout the 2024 season, scouts and NFL teams will want to see whether Penix can maintain his health and perform at a high level in the intense bowl game environment.

Key Question: Can Penix Prove His Durability and Clutch Ability in Big Games?

As a quarterback prospect, Penix has shown excellent skills and has demonstrated the ability to handle adversity. However, there are lingering concerns about his durability. After overcoming previous injuries, including significant knee surgeries, the 2024 bowl game is an excellent opportunity for Penix to prove that he can stay healthy through the most critical part of the season.

In addition to his health, NFL scouts will also be paying close attention to Penix’s ability to step up in big-game situations. While he has delivered when it matters during the regular season, the bowl game often serves as the ultimate test of a quarterback’s ability to maintain composure in high-pressure environments. If Penix can show that he is capable of leading his team to victory in a bowl game—especially if it’s a marquee matchup with national title implications—his draft stock will rise even higher.

Moreover, scouts will be evaluating how Penix handles the speed and physicality of elite defenses. If he can stand up to top-tier competition and lead Washington to victory while avoiding costly mistakes, he’ll prove that he’s ready for the next level.

What to Watch for in the Bowl Game:

• Penix’s health and ability to maintain his performance throughout the game.
• How he handles the speed and intensity of an elite defense.
• His ability to lead Washington in a high-pressure situation, particularly in a must-win game.

Jalen Milroe (Alabama) – Can He Develop Consistency and Accuracy in Big Moments?

Jalen Milroe, the quarterback for Alabama, entered the 2024 season as a highly touted prospect with an intriguing skill set. Milroe, a dual-threat quarterback with a powerful arm and the ability to make plays with his legs, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. However, his play has been marked by inconsistency, particularly when it comes to his passing accuracy and decision-making.

Despite the impressive physical tools, Milroe has struggled at times with reading defenses and making the right throws, especially under pressure. His decision-making in big moments, such as late-game situations or in high-profile matchups, will be critical for his draft stock. Milroe has the physical attributes to succeed in the NFL, but scouts want to see more refinement in his game.

Key Question: Can Milroe Show Growth in His Passing Accuracy and Decision-Making in Big Games?

Milroe’s primary question mark heading into the 2024 bowl game is whether he can showcase growth in his passing game. As a quarterback who can make big plays with his legs, Milroe has often relied on his athleticism to bail him out. However, at the next level, that will not always be enough. NFL teams will want to see if he can make the correct reads in the pocket, maintain his accuracy, and show poise in critical situations.

The bowl game presents a perfect opportunity for Milroe to show that he has made significant strides in his development as a passer. If he can demonstrate better accuracy, especially in the short and intermediate passing game, and make smart decisions when under pressure, Milroe could solidify his spot as a first-round prospect.

Another key element to watch for is Milroe’s ability to lead Alabama in high-pressure moments. The bowl game will offer him a chance to demonstrate his leadership, decision-making, and ability to perform when everything is on the line.

What to Watch for in the Bowl Game:

• Milroe’s accuracy and decision-making in critical passing situations.
• How he handles the pressure of a high-stakes bowl game.
• Whether he can use his dual-threat ability while remaining composed as a pocket passer.