Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Cam Ward

Cam Ward is one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. A dynamic player with strong arms, he made a name for himself at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami (FL). With an impressive ability to extend plays and deliver throws under pressure,  Ward has the right ingredients to break into starting positions and become a franchise quarterback.

In this article, we’ll pinpoint everything that makes Ward a top draft prospect, highlighting his collegiate accolades, scouting report summary, and NFL Combine results.

Background

The 6 ‘2’ 219-pound quarterback was born in West Columbia, Texas. He attended and played football at Columbia High School. As a junior, he racked up impressive numbers, completing 72 of 124 passes for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns. As a senior, though, he was way less impressive. He was offered a scholarship to play for the University of Incarnate Word.

Collegiate Accolades 

In Ward’s first year at Incarnate Word, he led the FCS with 24 touchdowns against four interceptions, ranked fourth in passing yards with 2,260, and third with 183 completions and 303 attempts. His top-freshman-worthy performance earned him the Jerry Rice Award. As a sophomore, he was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

In his second season at Washington State, Ward led the team with eight rushing touchdowns while coming eighth in the FBS passing yards rankings. At Miami, he was named First-team AP All-American, First-team All-ACC, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Offensive Player of the Year. He also won the Davey O’Brien Award and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Ward set a school record by scoring 39 passing touchdowns, leading the FBS in that category. He also set an NCAA record with 158 passing touchdowns in his career.

Scouting Report Summary

Ward has good size but what gets people talking the most is his 9-inch hand. He’s a big-armed pocket passer with the ability to read the full field when in rhythm, though his processing speed is only average. Ward can make tight window throws at all levels but struggles with accuracy due to inconsistent mechanics. He thrives in aggressive vertical passing but a fair level of work is still needed when it comes to his decision-making and rhythm throws. While he can extend plays, his off-schedule decisions can be erratic.

Strengths

Arm strength and velocity: In the arm strength department, Ward is one of the best. He is able to generate an incredible amount of velocity in each throw. While anticipation is not always guaranteed with the 22-year-old QB, his powerful arms allow him to fit the ball into tight windows, making up for it.

Playmaking: Throughout Ward’s college career, he displayed his playmaking ability. When he had at least three seconds to throw, he ranked seventh in passing grade across the FBS and recorded the second-most big-time throws. Despite having the fifth-most dropbacks with over three seconds to throw, he was sacked only 13 times on those plays.

Ball placement and anticipation: This is one aspect of Ward’s game that has greatly improved. He consistently proves he can process defenses, work through his progressions, and find the right throws. He quickly recognizes defensive schemes and delivers the ball on time.

Weaknesses

Ball security: Despite his low fumble count, Ward’s ball security remains a concern as NFL defenders are faster and more aggressive. He carries the ball out and away from his body rather than high and tight, making him more vulnerable to strip sacks and forced fumbles at the NFL level.

Volatility: Ward has questionable decision-making. He often holds the ball too long late in the down, basically playing hero ball.

Sticky reads: Ward sometimes fixates on his primary target rather than quickly scanning the field and adjusting to open options. This often leads to missed opportunities or risky throws.

NFL Combine Results

Pre-draft Measurables

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