As the new draft class settles in, all eyes are on the top quarterback prospects projected to go in the first round. But every year, hidden gems slip through the cracks — quarterbacks who may not have elite draft grades but possess the traits, tools, and intangibles to become long-term starters. This year’s quarterback sleeper pool is deeper than usual, featuring athletic upside, raw arm talent, and a few mystery prospects who could shake things up once the games begin.
Here are the Best Sleeper Quarterbacks of this year’s Premier Madden League Draft:
John Mateer – Oklahoma
Projected Round: 2–3
NFL Comp: Brock Purdy with more mobility
John Mateer comes into the draft as one of the more polished mid-round quarterbacks in the class. While he’s not elite in any one category, his combination of good speed, solid arm strength, and balanced throwing accuracy makes him a strong developmental option. What sets him apart is his decision-making under pressure — a trait that allowed Oklahoma’s offense to thrive late in games. Mateer may lack the flash of a top prospect, but his steady play and system versatility give him real upside. If he lands in the right scheme, he could easily outperform his draft slot.
Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss
Projected Round: 3–5
NFL Comp: Malik Willis with better field vision
Chambliss is the ultimate wildcard. A late addition to the draft class, he’s the least-scouted quarterback on the board, which both helps and hurts his stock. After dominating at the D2 level and transferring to Ole Miss, he flashed big-play potential but didn’t have enough film to quiet doubters. Scouts love his athletic profile — elite-to-great speed and solid arm strength — but questions linger about his throwing consistency and limited development upside. Still, Chambliss’s raw tools make him one of the most intriguing sleepers in the class. If he runs a strong 40, he’ll shoot up boards in a hurry.
Taylen Green – Arkansas
Projected Round: 3–4
NFL Comp: Cam Newton lite
At 6’6” and 230 pounds, Taylen Green looks like he was built in a lab for the modern Madden QB archetype. He’s an athletic powerhouse with elite speed and great arm talent, making him a constant dual-threat nightmare. The questions around him center on accuracy and progression reading — can he consistently hit tight windows or adapt to complex defenses? If a team can refine his fundamentals, Green’s physical gifts give him a ceiling few others in this class can match. He’s a boom-or-bust pick, but in the right hands, he could become one of the steals of the draft.
Diego Pavia – Vanderbilt
Projected Round: 5–7
NFL Comp: Gardner Minshew
Pavia is a true sleeper in every sense of the word. His measurables won’t wow scouts — he has just good-to-solid speed and below-average arm strength — but he’s a gamer. Pavia brings leadership, poise, and a level of football IQ that allows him to make the most of his physical tools. His accuracy across all ranges should be average to slightly above, and that consistency could make him a sneaky developmental piece. If he lands on a patient team, Pavia could be the late-round quarterback who quietly grows into a solid starter a few seasons down the road.
Kaidon Salter – Colorado
Projected Round: 4–6
NFL Comp: Tyrod Taylor
Salter is one of the most balanced quarterbacks in this class — no glaring weaknesses, but no elite traits either. That makes him hard to evaluate, but also potentially great value if he slides past day two. With great speed and good arm power, Salter brings mobility and the ability to stretch plays when things break down. His accuracy sits around league average, which may limit his ceiling, but he’s the type of steady, efficient quarterback who can win games with a strong supporting cast. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks onto the field earlier than expected.
Final Thoughts
This year’s quarterback class may be headlined by big names, but the depth of mid- and late-round prospects is what makes it fascinating. Players like Mateer and Green bring clear athletic upside, while Chambliss and Pavia provide raw intrigue and developmental promise. Each of these quarterbacks could turn into a franchise-altering pick if they land in the right system.
Next up in our Premier Madden League Draft Sleeper Series, we’ll be diving into the running back and wide receiver sleepers, breaking down the hidden weapons that could become offensive centerpieces in the seasons ahead. Stay tuned — the next breakout star might be buried deep on this draft board.
