New Orleans Saints Alternate Logo

Tyler Shough

Tyler Shough Player Profile

Summary

Tyler Shough was selected in Round 2 (#40 Overall) in the 2025 Draft out of University of Louisville. Shough boasts ideal size for the NFL position and a strong background of experience across multiple offensive schemes. He posted a 3,195‑yard, 23‑touchdown season in 2024 at Louisville, showing that when healthy he can perform at a high level. He showcases excellent arm talent, good processing instincts, and pocket presence, but his collegiate career was heavily impacted by injuries and he enters the league at a relatively older age for a rookie.

Strengths

  • Size and physical‑profile: With his 6′5″ frame and elite build for a quarterback, he has the prototypical tools to see over the line, scan the field, and execute from the pocket. SI

  • Arm talent and mechanics: As noted by multiple scouting reports, Shough has a clean release, good ability to change arm angles, and the arm strength to deliver downfield and on off‑platform throws. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Processing experience and pocket awareness: Despite limited full seasons as a starter, his extensive time in multiple systems gives him an advanced feel for defensive leverage, pocket movement and pre‑snap recognition. PFF

  • Proven production when healthy: In his 2024 season at Louisville, Shough showed he could lead a full campaign and produce strong numbers (3,195 yards, 23 TDs, 6 INTs) in a pro‑style offense. CBS Sports

  • Athleticism and mobility for the position: While not a pure runner, he possesses enough movement to extend plays, step up in the pocket and make throws on the move. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses

  • Injury history and durability concerns: Shough’s college career was marked by multiple significant injuries (collarbone, fibula, shoulder) and he has fewer full seasons as starter compared to many peers. CBS Sports

  • Age and developmental ceiling: Entering the league at age 25 and after a long collegiate career reduces the time window for upside compared to younger QB prospects. PFF

  • Deep‑ball and velocity inconsistency: While his arm is strong, some evaluators point to underwhelming velocity on certain throws and a tendency to float passes when mechanics break down, which can hurt against pro defenders. CBS Sports

  • Pressure and pocket‑breakdown issues: Though his clean‑pocket grades were strong, his performance under heavy pressure and on off‑platform plays still shows inconsistencies (mechanics suffer when the pocket collapses). PFF

  • Limited starter seasoning in varied systems: Despite his experience, he has only one full, healthy season as a starter, meaning appraisal of his consistency over time is still somewhat thin. SI

Fit & Outlook

Tyler Shough fits best in an NFL offense that values structured, drop‑back quarterback play with the ability to throw off play‑action, take deep‑shots, and manage the game with control. His size, arm‑talent and processing background suggest he is well‑suited to a system that emphasizes rhythm, progression reads, and optimizing his ability to see the field rather than systems that ask the QB to improvise relentlessly or rely heavily on scrambles. In other words, a franchise where he can be eased in behind a veteran or in a simplified scheme that gradually expands his responsibilities might allow him to thrive. In terms of outlook, Shough enters the league with a high floor: his tools and experience provide sufficient foundation for him to contribute early, possibly as a capable backup or situational starter. His upside is meaningful: if he remains healthy, improves his speed of decision‑making under pressure, refines his mechanics in bad‑pocket situations, and builds consistency, he could develop into a reliable starter capable of mid‑3,000‑yard seasons and a solid TD‑to‑INT ratio. The risk side is clear: if injuries persist, or if his velocity/accuracy issues under pressure aren’t corrected, he may settle into a career as a backup or a stop‑gap starter rather than a long‑term franchise signal‑caller. Given his profile, the next 2‑3 years will be pivotal in determining whether Shough’s trajectory is upward toward starting stability or plateaus at utility value.