Tyler Shough was the last of the Big 3 quarterbacks drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, but it's clear the New Orleans Saints landed a slam dunk in the second round. Despite playing less time than Cam Ward or Jaxson Dart, Shough is already taking bigger strides than anyone imagined.
Year 2 is a big year for quarterbacks. We're looking for them to take a step forward or at least dodge the dreaded sophomore slump. Because there's such a spotlight on this season in specific, it can often come with a lot of expectations and pressure.
That's what makes Shough not making Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker's list of 10 players under the most pressure in Year 2 so impressive. His absence from the list was emphasized by Ward and Dart's presence, suggesting Shough has less to prove than his counterparts at this juncture.
Tyler Shough may not be under the most pressure, but he isn't off the hook
It's early in the race, but it's fair to say Shough is in the lead. We're still at the point where we're judging players based on how we viewed them as prospects. Conversations still lean heavily towards previously established ceiling.
Shough's auspicious start led to him being the runner up for Offensive Rookie of the Year, despite only starting 9 games. He didn't come in second to a quarterback either. It's clear who had the biggest impact on the field at his position.
That's what makes this season such an important campaign for Shough. He's received a load of praise all offseason. Now, it's time for him to deliver.
Ironically, that puts Shough under a different kind of pressure than Ward and Dart. Maybe more, maybe less, but definitely different.
Locker called for Ward and Dart to improve their accuracy. Meanwhile, Shough was one of the most accurate rookies in NFL history. Shough has justified the hype, but he needs to establish consistency.
Shough showed the ability to be a franchise quarterback. To actually become one requires doing it again and again, or at least for a full season.
Ward and Dart may have been projected to have higher ceilings, but the product on the field speaks louder. As of today, Shough has been the best quarterback from his draft class. He didn't make the list, but the pressure is still prevalent.
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