The Late‑Round Quarterback Surge
In fantasy football, the quarterback position remains the engine that drives weekly point totals, and the 2025 season reinforced that reality with eleven of the top thirteen scorers being signal callers. While elite arms often dominate early drafts, a growing body of evidence shows that value can be extracted later in the draft, especially when a player’s average draft position does not reflect his upside.
Analysts have noted that the point differential between the very best and the tenth‑best quarterback is modest compared with the gaps at running back or wide receiver, making it easier for a mid‑tier arm to punch above its weight. This dynamic has turned the later rounds into a hunting ground for sleepers who can finish as top‑five performers.
Among the candidates, five names stand out for their combination of talent, situation and draft discount. Kyler Murray, now reunited with a revamped Minnesota Vikings offense, brings a dual‑threat skill set that could lift him into the top five at his position. Baker Mayfield, fresh off a down year but bolstered by a resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster, is being positioned as a bounce‑back candidate. Tyler Shough, the New Orleans Saints’ emerging franchise quarterback, has benefited from a substantial investment in his supporting cast, while Malik Willis, slated to start for the Miami Dolphins, has already shown flashes of high‑level play. Finally, Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans’ first‑overall selection, is expected to make a pronounced Year‑2 leap thanks to a series of strategic acquisitions.
Profiles of Undervalued Arms
The common thread among these players is a clear path to increased volume and a favorable offensive environment. Whether it is a revamped receiving corps, a more aggressive play‑calling scheme, or a supportive defensive unit, each situation offers the necessary ingredients for a breakout campaign that exceeds preseason expectations.
History supports this approach; Drake Maye entered the draft with an ADP of 125 yet finished the season as the second‑best quarterback, a result that underscores how late‑round selections can become championship cornerstones. As the 2026 draft board unfolds, managers who prioritize upside over pedigree may find their rosters transformed by a handful of overlooked arms.