NFL training camps are now active, signaling the arrival of the 2026 campaign.

This shift means the 2025 draft class has moved past rookie status to welcome a fresh group of newcomers. It also brings heightened expectations for these second-year players. I reviewed the debut seasons of four quarterbacks selected last year - Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Shedeur Sanders - and posed one question for each: Where must he focus to advance in Year 2 and later?

Reviewing the film revealed encouraging signs from most of these young passers. None operated in ideal conditions, all four played for teams that finished below .500, just one started the 2025 season under center, and three already face new head coaches. Still, Ward delivered one of the stronger showings against the Seahawks' championship defense. Dart's ability to threaten with both arm and legs exceeded college expectations and raised his overall floor. Shough possesses a strong arm and imposing size. Sanders stabilized the offense, which is no small feat for a fifth-round rookie.

Fans of the Titans, Giants and Saints can feel optimistic heading into the new year, though the Browns face more work ahead. Yet all four passers remain works in progress and could lose their starting roles by 2027 or sooner. With that in mind, here are the primary development points for each signal-caller in 2026.

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Key focus: Mobility and confident decision-making

Ward posted a stronger first season than raw numbers suggest. Of 38 quarterbacks with 200-plus dropbacks, he ranked 36th in expected points added per dropback and success rate, ahead only of the Browns' rookie duo. Only one other passer posted a lower yards-per-attempt mark than Ward's 5.9.

Even among top selections on struggling rosters, Ward faced tough circumstances. After Calvin Ridley suffered an injury in Week 6, the Titans' top receivers by snaps were two Day 3 rookies and a veteran fill-in. The ground game ranked near the bottom in efficiency and big plays. Head coach Brian Callahan, hired to aid Ward's development, was dismissed midseason.

Many high picks endure similar starts. Trevor Lawrence and Caleb Williams both posted early numbers that raised concerns before rebounding. Ward may follow a steadier climb. New coordinator Brian Daboll has a track record of helping quarterbacks progress, having worked with Josh Allen and Daniel Jones. In those cases, increased designed runs and scrambles lifted the offense while the passer refined his skills.

Daboll's approach should help Ward immediately. Ward scrambled on just 3.7 percent of dropbacks last season, below the league average. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds he can absorb contact. More designed runs and escapes will reduce low-percentage late-down throws. Ward attempted 88 dropbacks lasting over four seconds and lost significant expected points on those plays. Turning those situations into positive gains through mobility will raise his floor.

Ward already shows promise as a rhythm passer with a quick release that fits tight windows. Adding arm confidence to challenge coverage early, paired with the option to run when needed, should produce faster decisions and fewer extended plays.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Key focus: Steady process

Dart remains a difficult evaluation because his mechanics and footwork lack consistency. His base often leaves the ground, disrupting timing and reactions to pressure. Lower-body positioning shifts without reason, leading to awkward launch points.

One example came on fourth-and-8 late against the Commanders. Dart began with standard footwork then backpedaled without pressure, stepped off his target line and lofted an uncatchable ball. The same traits appear in positive plays, where he succeeds despite poor mechanics. This duality creates highlights but also masks deeper issues.

On pressured dropbacks Dart averaged high air yards yet posted the league's lowest completion rate in those situations. He scrambled often but also took sacks at a high rate. The improvisational ability is real, yet it does not build a reliable offense. Dart lacks the size and explosiveness of elite dual-threat passers, so he must improve day-to-day consistency to avoid the pattern seen in other young quarterbacks who never settled their mechanics.