Should I Draft Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders In Fantasy Football Rookie Drafts?

Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are expected to be selected as the first two quarterbacks off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. The two players headline an otherwise lackluster crop of quarterbacks this year. As such, they are the only two worth considering for fantasy at this juncture.

Sanders has long been considered the best quarterback in this draft class. However, a stud season in 2024 that saw Ward throw for 4,313 yards and 37 touchdowns has affixed him at the top of the quarterback list. Ward has a legitimate chance at being drafted No. 1 overall.

Both players started at least 50 games in college. We have seen rookie quarterbacks with that level of experience have instant fantasy football success in recent years. The landing spot of both players should be closely monitored. For now, let's dive in and evaluate their dynasty prospects based on their player profiles.

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Cam Ward Fantasy Football Outlook

Cam Ward is a large and physical player. He stands at 6-foot-2, 223 lbs. Additionally, while Ward is not a gamebreaker with his legs, he is a quality athlete. He rushed for at least four touchdowns in each of the last two seasons.

Ward is a prototypical quarterback with all the tools necessary to become a superstar. If he lands in the right situation, Ward should ascend to take that mantle. He is not necessarily viewed as a generational talent, but many of the players who are do not pan out anyway.

Cam Ward's best trait is being under pressure 24/7 and just treating it like he's lounging at the beach, a few shots of tequila deep, playing toss with the boys.

Dude has incredible poise, ZERO worry while he's playing. pic.twitter.com/yMIJUBQ680

— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) January 23, 2025

Shedeur Sanders Fantasy Football Outlook

Shedeur Sanders is the son of the legendary Deion Sanders. That is to say that this kid knows how to be a professional and take on the pressure that comes with being an NFL quarterback. Sanders has enjoyed a long career as a starting quarterback in college between Jackson State University and the University of Colorado. That experience will be invaluable at the next level.

Sanders profiles as an excellent processor with a quality NFL arm. He should have no problem making difficult throws while also protecting the football. He is far less athletic than Ward, but he provides some mobility. The question is whether he will move as much as someone like Justin Herbert or as little as someone like C.J. Stroud once he advances to the NFL.

Shedeur Sanders says decision-making separates him from Cam Ward for the QB1 spot 👀 pic.twitter.com/6oLpuwr2TV

— Footballguys Fantasy Football (@Footballguys) February 3, 2025

Should I Draft Ward or Sanders in Dynasty Fantasy Football?

Both players may have solid careers, but Ward is the better bet for both instant and long-term fantasy success. Quarterbacks with rushing ability are too valuable for fantasy. Unless your name is Joe Burrow or Patrick Mahomes, you generally do not deliver top-5 fantasy value without rushing.

Sanders is the more polished passer, but he profiles as a player who could have several seasons with monster passing. As such, his consistency every year could be lacking for fantasy purposes. Ward may be able to have sustained fantasy success by running the football and I generally choose to swing for the fences.

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