FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Miami quarterback Cam Ward. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cam Ward
Cam Ward (QB – Miami)
6-foot-2 | 223 Pounds
Background
Originally attended Incarnate Word after running the Wing-T in high school, spending two seasons there and racking up huge numbers before transferring to Washington State for the 2022 season. Cam Ward spent two seasons there, playing for coordinators Eric Morris and Ben Arbuckle, going 7-6 in his first season as a starter and totaling 3,231 yards (64.4%, 6.5 yards per attempt), 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2022.
The team struggled a bit in 2023, going 5-7, but Ward threw for 3,735 yards (66.6%, yards per attempt), 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He transferred to Miami this past year and had his best season, leading the team to a 10-3 record and throwing for 4,313 yards (67.2%, 9.5 yards per attempt), 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Positives
Five-year stater who has made strides in each of the past three seasons despite working under different coordinators in each. Thickly-built passer who has been durable throughout his career. Gets the ball out quickly on predetermined reads underneath; Miami’s offense this season featured a ton of first-read slants off of read-option concepts. Looks calm in the pocket, with good patience to work through his reads. Shows the ability to locate his check-down options when his primary read isn’t there.
Ward has a smooth, sound throwing motion, and is capable of altering his arm angle. Does a nice job of generating torque to create velocity on his throws, good overall zip when throwing over the middle of the field and has the confidence to trust his arm strength into tight windows. Overall accuracy/ball placement is solid; puts it on targets when throwing over the middle. Flashes touch and loft to layer throws over defenders.
Not necessarily a true dual-threat, but Ward does a nice job of escaping from pressure and extending the play, keeping his eyes downfield to find a target; tough player who is willing to take a hit to complete a pass. Was asked to throw while rolling out to both sides of the field. Shows the ability to succeed on designed runs in short-yardage/goal-line situations. Ball security was significantly improved this year, cutting down on fumbles (four in 2024.)
Negatives
A bit older than some of the other prospects in the class, having spent five years in school. His listed height is closer to adequate, so pre-draft measurement could be important. Would like to see a little bit more urgency to his footwork and technique when playing out of the pocket; sometimes lets his mechanics go slack when plays are well-blocked. Can sometimes put a little bit too much on his deeper/sideline throws, where touch and loft would be more appropriate.
Ward has a bit of a gambler’s mentality, which leads to some risky throws; never threw fewer than seven interceptions in a full season. Can loft some passes into tight coverage downfield. Can sometimes turn bad plays into disasters when living to fight another day would be more appropriate. Operated from a lot of clean pockets this year and showed year-over-year improvements when he was under pressure, but has historically tended to struggle significantly when under pressure.
Had issues with fumbling in the past, with nine fumbles in 2022 and 14 in 2023; some tendency to flag the ball when he’s scrambling.
Summary
A highly productive five-year starter who made major strides this past season after arriving at Miami. Ward plays with impressive composure, shows the ability to work through full-field reads and has solid arm talent and accuracy. Is capable of escaping from pressure and making the occasional splash play. At the same time, there are some risky elements to his game, which often come as a result of trying to do too much, leading to dangerous throws, interceptions or fumbles.
Consequently, how willing teams are to tolerate that risk to reap the rewards of his playmaking skills will be interesting to monitor. Either way, Ward is among the candidates to go first overall and should be one of the first couple of quarterbacks off the board.
Projection: Round 1
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