As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, we use an algorithm (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377221721002034?via%3Dihub) to evaluate how prospect quarterbacks will perform at the professional level, challenging traditional scouting rankings. The algorithm reveals undervalued players like Jackson Dart and Jalen Milroe, while questioning the hype around Shedeur Sanders. By emphasising rushing ability, the algorithm provides a new way to evaluate quarterbacks and their potential success in the NFL.

Pregame huddle: How the algorithm sizes up quarterbacks

The algorithm, developed by Joe Craig at University of Colorado Colorado Springs and Niven Winchester at Auckland University of technology, uses data from college games to predict the performance of rookie quarterbacks in the NFL. Quarterback performance is measured using ESPN’s Total Quarterback Rating (QBR), a numerical measure of quarterback performance that ranges from zero to 100, with higher numbers indicating better performances. The algorithm determined that to succeed in the NFL quarterbacks must be good passers but rushing ability also matters.

The algorithm estimates each quarterback’s Max5-QBR, which represents the projected maximum QBR value a quarterback is likely to achieve in their first five years in the NFL. 

Evaluating 2025 draft quarterbacks

Max5-QBR values for the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft and ESPN scout scores are displayed in the table below. 

Jackson Dart has the highest expected Max5-QBR value (56.6), and is consequently the algorithm’s top-rated draft pick, followed by Cam Ward (56.3), and Jalen Milroe (53.8). Quarterbacks with the highest scout scores are Ward (90), Shedeur Sanders (90), and Dart (87).
 

Differences between the algorithm’s rankings and scout scores can be used to identify undervalued and overvalued prospects. Dart is undervalued – he is the top draft prospect according to the algorithm, but scouts rate him only as the third-best contender. 

Other quarterbacks that are undervalued by scouts include Jalen Milroe (ranked third by the algorithm but fifth by scouts), and Dillon Gabriel (ranked fifth by the algorithm but eighth by scouts).

The most overvalued top quarterback according to the algorithm is Shedeur Sanders, who is ranked equal first by scouts but only sixth by the algorithm.

The difference in rankings arises from the algorithm’s emphasis on rushing ability, which, based on historical data, scouts tend to undervalue when assessing quarterback prospects. Specifically, when scout scores and a measure of rushing ability are included in the algorithm, rushing skill has a positive and statistically significant effect on future NFL performance, indicating that it is not fully accounted for in scout evaluations. The algorithm finds that strong rushing skills will enhance these quarterbacks’ performance in the NFL, possibly because effective rushing at opportune times enables quarterbacks to gain the additional yards required to be awarded a new set of downs. 

Among the top quarterback draft prospects, Dart has the best college rushing statistics. Milroe and Gabriel, two other undervalued quarterbacks, also posted strong rushing statistics during their college careers. 

At the other end of the scale, Sanders averaged –0.5 yards per rush in the 2024 season and has the weakest college rushing statistics among the top quarterback prospects.

How has the algorithm performed in the past?

A systemic analysis (see Figure 3 of the article describing the algorithm) reveals that the algorithm’s predicted NFL performance of college quarterbacks is more closely correlated with actual output than a prediction model based solely on scout scores.  

Although the algorithm’s highly rated draft picks don’t always work out in the NFL, two recent examples are noteworthy. First, the algorithm ranked Jayden Daniels the top 2024 draft quarterback by a large margin, despite scouts ranking him the second-best quarterback. In 2025, Daniels won NFL Rookie of the Year and was selected for the Pro Bowl. 

Second, Lamar Jackson, who was the NFL’s MVP in 2019 and 2023, was considered the top quarterback in the 2018 NFL draft by the algorithm but only the fifth best prospect by scouts. 

Both Daniels’ and Jackson’s college rushing statistics were considerably better than other quarterbacks in their respective draft years. 

Not a vintage year

The algorithm also supports the general impression that the 2025 quarterback draft lacks standout talent. In the 2024 draft, Daniels’ predicted Max5-QBR was 66.7, and all drafts since 2021 have at least one quarterback with a predicted Max5-QBR greater than 60. In contrast, the top prospect for the 2025 draft (Dart) is expected record a Max5-QBR of just 56.6.

The final play

As the NFL draft unfolds, the algorithm's highlights undervalued prospects like Dart and Milroe. With rushing ability proving key to success, it will be interesting to see if teams recognise this or rely on traditional scouting rankings.

For immediate release:

Colorado Springs, CO – Colorado Springs School District 11 students will have the opportunity of a lifetime as astronauts and educators from the renowned Space Foundation touch down for a series of inspiring, space-themed events at three D11 schools this spring. As a lead-up to National Space Day on May 3, these visits are designed to ignite student curiosity and excitement for space science and exploration.

Students at Edison Elementary School, Jack Swigert Middle School, and Wilson Elementary School will interact directly with astronauts and participate in interactive lessons facilitated by Space Education Specialists. Assemblies, Q&A sessions, and hands-on activities will give students a front-row seat to the science, innovation, and imagination that fuel space exploration.

Event Schedule:

April 23, 2025 – Edison Elementary School
3125 N. Hancock Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

• 9:00 AM – All-school astronaut assembly
   

• 9:35 AM – Astronaut Q&A for grades 1–5
   

• 10:02 AM – Space learning activity with 4th & 5th grades
   

April 24, 2025 – Jack Swigert Middle School
4220 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

• 1:00 PM – All-school astronaut assembly
   

• 1:40 PM – Astronaut Q&A for grades 6 & 7
   

• 2:05 PM – Space learning activities for 7th grade
   

May 2, 2025 – Wilson Elementary School
1409 De Reamer Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80915

• 9:00 AM – All-school astronaut assembly
   

• 9:35 AM – Astronaut Q&A for grades 1–5
   

• 10:02 AM – Space learning activity with 4th & 5th grades
   

These events underscore District 11’s ongoing commitment to providing all students immersive, real-world learning opportunities. The partnership with the Space Foundation brings STEM education to life while inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

“This is more than just a school assembly—it’s a launchpad for imagination and discovery,” said Lauren Mason, D11 Director of Partnerships. “We’re thrilled to offer our students a chance to meet real astronauts and explore the future of space.”

Media coverage is encouraged.

STANDARD PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:

The Colorado Springs School

Marie Newbrough

Director of Communications & Marketing

Office: (719) 434-3514 Cell: (719) 440-6454

mnewbrough@css.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 22, 2025

HADESTOWN: 

Teen Edition

A Fresh Take on the Tony Award-Winning Musical 

THE SPRING THEATER PRODUCTION AT THE COLORADO SPRINGS SCHOOL 

Colorado Springs (April 2025) — This spring, The Colorado Springs School Upper School theater department brings the mythological underworld to Colorado Springs with their production of "Hadestown: Teen Edition." The show runs April 25-27, 2025 at The Louisa Performing Arts Center. It is free and open to the public. 

Based on the Tony Award-winning musical by Anaïs Mitchell, "Hadestown: Teen Edition" interweaves two mythic tales — young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and his wife Persephone — into a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience with the powerful message of the original while making it accessible to student actors.

"Our students have embraced the complexity and relevance of this contemporary retelling of ancient Greek mythology," says Jonathan Andujar, the show's director and Middle & Upper School Theatre teacher. "Through Mitchell's extraordinary music and lyrics, they're exploring timeless themes of love, trust, and attempting to defy one's fate.”

The production features a cast and crew of Upper School students (Grades 9-12), who have been rehearsing since January. The show's distinctive folk-opera score blends modern American folk music with New Orleans jazz, creating a unique musical landscape that challenges and showcases our young performers' talents.

Performance Details:

• Dates: April 25, 26, 27

• Times: April 25, 7 pm, Apr 26, 7 pm, April 27, 11 am

• Location:  Louisa Performing Arts Center (on the campus of The Colorado Springs School) 21 Broadmoor Avenue 80906

• Ticket Prices: FREE (open to public)

The Colorado Springs School's theater program has a long-standing tradition of producing challenging, thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of student theater while fostering artistic growth and collaboration.

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About The Colorado Springs School (CSS)

The Colorado Springs School is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through grade 12. Through experiential education and superior academics and mentoring, CSS prepares students to think independently and to meet the needs of a dynamic world through belonging, leadership, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity. Learn more at css.org. The school is located on a historic property of 28 acres at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Peak Vista Promotes Amy Roberts to Chief

Human Resources Officer

Veteran HR leader brings decades of experience and a
people-first philosophy to executive team

Colorado Springs, Colo.  –  Peak Vista Community Health Centers (Peak Vista) is thrilled to announce the promotion of Amy Roberts, current vice president of human resources, to the role of chief human resources officer (CHRO). With over 20 years of professional experience, including 17 years dedicated to human resources in the healthcare industry, Roberts brings a deep understanding of people, culture and strategy to her new executive position.

"Amy consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to serve our people, our mission and our community," said Richard Eitel, JD, interim CEO of Peak Vista. “With this promotion, we know she will continue to be an incredible advocate for our number one resource – our people.”

Internally, Roberts has been a force for positive change throughout her four-year tenure at Peak Vista. From her intentional approach to hiring and retaining talent to her relentless work realigning all positions and compensation, she has been instrumental in building a stronger, more resilient organization. Her people-first leadership style is rooted in what she describes as a three-pronged approach to cultural transformation: compensating employees fairly, investing in training and development and fostering a culture of accountability.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role and look forward to continuing to foster an environment where people can thrive. As a department, our focus remains on supporting the growth and success of our employees and helping to make Peak Vista and employer of choice,” said Roberts. “For me, it’s simple: happy employees lead to happy patients, and that’s how I support the greater community across the region.”

Roberts is proud to call Colorado Springs home having been a resident for the past 27 years. Her educational journey began at Pikes Peak State College, where she earned her associate degree before transferring to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) for her bachelor’s and later earning her master’s degree from the University of Denver. Roberts’ passion for community engagement is as impressive as her professional accomplishments. A past recipient of the Bruce and Anne Shepard Reach Your Peak Scholarship at UCCS, she continues to give back by reviewing applications, interviewing candidates and preparing hand-written welcome letters to new students. She has served as a mentor for the Karen Possehl Women’s Endowment program, been a guest speaker at UCCS and regularly supports local nonprofits that serve the broader Colorado Springs community.

With her promotion to CHRO, Roberts will continue driving forward initiatives that promote professional development and sustainable culture change at every level of the organization.

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About Peak Vista Community Health Centers

Peak Vista Community Health Centers is a nonprofit organization providing exceptional health care to people facing access barriers through clinical programs and education. Celebrating over 50 years of community health service, Peak Vista offers primary medical, integrated behavioral health and dental care services. We proudly serve over 74,000 patients annually through 24 outpatient centers in Colorado’s Pikes Peak and East Central regions. To learn more about Peak Vista, visit peakvista.org.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station Fire Department will be conducting annual recertification fire training exercises 23 - 30 Apr. Scheduled burn times will be from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the base fire training center located on CMSFS.

The potential exists for light to heavy smoke to be visible. The public should not be alarmed or call 911 to report a fire. All safety protocols are in place, and the exercises will be performed in a controlled environment.

Today, Cheyenne Mountain SFS, part of Space Base Delta 1, hosts multiple Department of Defense missions and serves as NORAD and USNORTHCOM's Alternate Command Center and as a training site for crew qualification.

For further information, or concerns, please contact the Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs Office at (719) 556-5185 or SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil.