PFF isn’t too optimistic about Shough’s rookie season.
Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus dropped their 2025 NFL starting quarterback rankings, and they don’t appear to be too optimistic about Tyler Shough, who right now is presumed to be the starter for the New Orleans Saints.
Out of the 32 quarterbacks they ranked, Shough came in dead last, just behind Mason Rudolph (31), Anthony Richardson (30) and Joe Flacco (29), who make up the “low-end starters and not long-term options” tier.
Shough is one of two rookies to appear on their rankings, joining Cam Ward, who was the first overall pick in the draft. Ward comes in at No. 25 on this list, rounding out the “young players with wide range of outcomes” tier. He’s ranked above guys like Sam Darnold (26), Russell Wilson (27) and Justin Fields (28).
I think 32nd is a completely fair ranking for Shough. It’s not because I think he’s going to be the worst quarterback in the league this year – there’s a chance, but I think he has a live arm and is mobile enough to make sure that’s not the case – but because he hasn’t proved anything in this league yet. What I do think is unfair is labeling him “not a long-term option,” because I do think that if he hits his ceiling (which is a semi-big if), he can be a 10+ year starter in this league.
Personally, I would probably rank Shough 29th ahead of Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields and Joe Flacco. I have no belief in Rudolph or Fields, and I think the Joe Flacco magic has run its course. In my opinion, Shough’s ceiling for this season is higher than those three, but again, I get why they put him at 32.
The only thing that worries me about Shough heading into this season is that if he’s not good, then there isn’t a lot of hope that he can get much better. He’s turning 26 this year, so there likely isn’t a whole lot of development left in the tank. What you drafted is pretty close to what you’re going to get, and luckily, when he’s in a clean pocket and feels secure, he can be really good. The main thing is going to be teaching him how to stand in the pocket when there’s pressure, because that was his big weakness last year. When he was under pressure, he’d panic, likely because of his injury history, and make bad decisions. It’s coachable, but it’s also really hard to get out of your own head in some cases, but if he can be half decent under pressure, I don’t think he’ll be the worst QB in the league this year.