The dust has settled at Lucas Oil Stadium. No more 40-yard dashes to dissect, no more vertical jumps to gasp at. The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books, and while some players left Indianapolis with their draft stock soaring, others? Well, they’ll be trying to explain some underwhelming performances to skeptical NFL scouts in the coming weeks. In a class already under scrutiny, where even the supposed top-tier quarterbacks—Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders—opted out of athletic testing, the second-tier passers had a golden opportunity to shine. Instead, most of them fumbled the moment, reinforcing existing doubts and potentially sealing their fate as Day 3 picks… or worse.

The red-circled crop is led by Will Howard. The harsh reality of the NFL draft process is that one bad showing under the bright lights can override years of college tape. What could be said as the thinnest pool this year, the preconceived concerns about this QB class were reinforced. That’s the question some teams are asking after this year’s combine. And while it’s never wise to overreact to one workout, the below not-so-fantastic 4 QBs might be in real danger of slipping further than expected in April’s draft.

Will Howard (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Few quarterbacks entered the combine with more to gain than Will Howard. A 6-foot-4, 240-pound signal-caller with a cannon for an arm and national championship experience at Ohio State, he had the tools to elevate his draft stock. Instead, he had what some are calling one of the worst combine performances in recent memory. In a setting designed to make quarterbacks look good, Howard struggled—badly.

A viral video of his throwing session showed him missing wide-open receivers against air, the football sailing beyond targets, and falling short on routine out routes. It was a tough watch—the kind of clip that makes front offices reevaluate their scouting reports. If the erratic passing wasn’t enough, Howard’s athletic testing didn’t do him any favors either. He posted the worst broad jump (9’4″) and vertical jump (31.5″) among quarterbacks, numbers that highlight a lack of lower-body explosiveness—something crucial for throwing velocity and mobility in today’s game.

Coming to Indy, Will Howard was already projected as a mid-to-late-round pick. Now, there’s a real chance he doesn’t hear his name called at all. For a quarterback who once looked like a potential mid-round sleeper, his stock is free-falling at the worst possible time.

Quinn Ewers (Texas Longhorns)

Quinn Ewers was never expected to dominate the combine, but scouts were hoping to see something—anything—that suggested he could be a more consistent passer at the next level. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite deliver. The former Texas gunslinger didn’t completely implode, but his accuracy left much to be desired. His arm talent was evident, as it always is, with effortless velocity on deep throws. But the timing and accuracy? Not great. He wasn’t erratic, but he wasn’t pinpoint either, a problem that’s plagued him throughout his collegiate career.

Ewers’ draft stock was already fragile due to injuries and inconsistent play at Austin. This combine was a chance to steady the ship and show teams he could be a reliable presence under center. Instead, he left more questions than answers. With concerns already swirling about his durability, an underwhelming throwing session didn’t do him any favors.

We still see him as a draftable prospect, like many others, but his chances of sneaking into the top half of the draft look slimmer by the day.

Max Brosmer (Minnesota Golden Gophers)

Unlike Howard and Ewers, Max Brosmer wasn’t expected to be a major riser in this draft class. The 6’2” Gophers’ passer came into the combine viewed as a late-round flier, someone with enough arm talent to warrant consideration as a developmental backup. He didn’t necessarily hurt his stock, but he didn’t help it much either. Brosmer was solid but unspectacular, making all the necessary throws but failing to wow in a way that could push him up draft boards.

Sporting News gave him a respectable ‘B-’ grade, noting that he showcased a skill set that could fit into multiple offensive systems. That’s about as much as you could ask for from a quarterback in his position. Still, in a league where teams are always searching for the next great passer, “solid” day 3 backup material at best or not at all. Brosmer’s best path to the NFL might be as an undrafted free agent, where he could latch onto a team and develop behind a veteran starter.

Jalen Milroe (Alabama Crimson Tide)

Jalen Milroe has the physical tools that make NFL scouts drool—an electric arm, prototypical size, and elite athleticism. But at some point, accuracy matters. And once again, Milroe struggled to consistently place the passes where they needed to be. Just as he did on film at Alabama, he displayed erratic accuracy that will make NFL coaches nervous. His deep throw was impressive, but the intermediate and short passing game was shaky. That’s a problem in a league that thrives on quick, precise throws.

The biggest knock on Milroe coming into the draft process was whether he could evolve beyond being just an athlete playing thrower. His combine performance didn’t do much to quell those concerns. While he’s still expected to be drafted—likely in the first two rounds—his stock hasn’t improved as much as some of his peers’. That’s a missed opportunity, especially with teams searching for a difference-making quarterback in an otherwise weak class.

Milroe’s bizarre hand-size growth (from 8 3/4 inches at the Senior Bowl to 9 3/8 inches at the combine) was an amusing subplot, but in reality, it does little to change his evaluation. Teams will still have to decide whether his elite physical traits outweigh his erratic decision-making and accuracy issues. If they don’t, he could find himself slipping further than expected come draft day.

The NFL combine can make or break a player’s draft stock, and for the quarterbacks above, it did more harm than good. Howard’s struggles could potentially push him out of the draft altogether. Ewers, needing a strong performance, fell short. Brosmer showed enough to remain on radars but not enough to ensure a selection. And while Milroe’s draft position is secure, his inconsistencies remain a significant concern. For these quarterbacks, the pro day circuit will be their last chance at redemption.