The NFL Combine concluded last night, and one of the names getting flown around all NFL teams' radars is Louisville football's quarterback, Tyler Shough.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound quarterback displayed his limitless potential Saturday night in Indianapolis, Ind. as the Cardinals quarterback showed off his versatility, arm strength, and ability to run. Shough has all the tools to be an elite NFL quarterback and is ready to play in the NFL now.
His age isn't an issue, and he will have an advantage over the younger quarterback, as Shough has the ability to make an immediate impact for the team he is drafted by. So, after the NFL Combine, here are five glaring reasons why Tyler Shough will be the best quarterback drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
5 key reasons Louisville football's Tyler Shough will be best QB drafted
5. Elite arm strength
Tyler Shough showed his limitless potential with the ability to connect on deep throws and show off that impressive arm strength. Throughout the NFL Combine, Shough's glaring strength was his passing ability and the pure speed and awareness of his throws.
His arm strength clearly stood out in the second group of quarterbacks, and had NFL analysts jumping out of their seats. Shough was one of the best throwers, and that included Notre Dame's Riley Leonard and Alabama's Jalen Milroe in his quarterback group.
Tyler Shough's ability to pick apart the defense is impressive to the point that the velocity with which throws it, mixed with the accuracy, is second to none.
4. Mobility
One of Shough's main weaknesses is his ability to move, but he displayed great feet all weekend and ranked an impressive 4.63 in the 40-yard dash. His 40-time was ranked No. 2 in the quarterbacks that participated, and he would finish top two in every category he participated in.
Shough's vertical jump of 32 inches came second to Will Cook, and his broad jump of 117 inches once again came second among quarterbacks that participated. Adding these numbers to his ability to run fast, with his arm strength and awareness as a quarterback, it is evident he has one of the best potentials as an NFL QB.
3. Accuracy
The accuracy Shough displayed on Saturday was proof from his 2024 season numbers that he is the real deal. The 25-year old threw an impressive 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and on a 62.2% completion-percentage.
Shough had the 24th best QBR in college football last season at 75.0, and he only threw six interceptions. Cardinals offense was nothing short of elite, as Lousiville was one of best in the nation. Shough led the Cardinals to score 24 points or more in every game. UofL was the only team in the nation to accomplish that stat.
2. Ability to throw on the move
Shough's athleticism is shown in this x-factor as his ability to stand in the pocket is impressive, but he also has the tool of throwing on the run. Shough is without a doubt a pocket passer, but when need be he has the skill set to escape the pocket and plant his feet and throw.
One of Shough's best games of the season was vs the Miami Hurricanes, where he threw for a season-high 342 yards and four touchdowns, on 60.8% passing completion and zero interceptions. Shough displayed all game his NFL potential, going back and forth with future first-overall pick, Cam Ward.
1. Awareness
Tyler Shough's awareness on the field is maybe what makes him so special. When NFL analysts look at Shough's tape, they will see a glaring strength in arm strength and mobility, but also his awareness in the pocket and on the field in general.
Shough has the ability to tuck the ball and run in read-option plays, and it frees up elite running backs. Shough displayed his best football last season against the Cardinals' best opponents, as Shough threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns, on 59% completion against National Championships runner-ups, Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
However, he also displayed his awareness as he tucked the ball and ran multiple times in that game and ran five yards for 36 yards, including an impressive 46-yard run. The Cardinals' quarterback has the ability to drop a dart in a receiver's arms, but also, if need be, pull the ball and run and move the chains.
Louisville football quarterback draft stock continues to rise, and after the NFL Scouting Combine, it will only get higher. Don't be surprised if Tyler Shough is a second-round pick and possibly even a first.