There isn't much consensus across the league about the QBs in this draft beyond Cam Ward being the top prospect and presumptive No. 1 overall pick. Shough has thrust himself into the next-tier conversation with Shedeur Sanders , Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe -- and many scouts and coaches rank him above at least one of those more-heralded players.

In a seven-year college odyssey, Shough started 32 games at three schools. He returned from three significant injuries (broken collarbone in 2021, shoulder issue in '22, broken leg in '23) to put together a career year last fall at Louisville: 62.7% passing for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns (against six interceptions) in 12 starts for a Cardinals team that finished 9-4.

Shough is older (25), and both the injury volume and its impact on his play style will concern some teams. But coaches like his size (6-4 7/8, 219), accuracy and processing ability. He might be the readiest of the whole QB group to play in the NFL right now . Does he have a chance to be a bona fide, long-term starter in the pros? All it takes is one team to buy in and take a shot on Shough in Round 1.