HEIGHT: 6’2″

WEIGHT: 223

POSITIVES

— Naturally proficient at throwing footballs with ease.

— Exceptional playmaker and improviser.

— Displays effective command of the offense, including making pre-snap protection calls.

— Versatile arm flexibility for varied throwing angles.

— Superior arm talent with great control.

NEGATIVES

— Needs to improve on protecting the football and minimizing turnover-worthy plays.

— Should work on reducing hero-ball tendencies and taking what defenses offer.

— Could benefit from less reliance on pre-determined pre-snap reads.

— Should utilize his athleticism when scenario permits.

NOTES

— Born May 25, 2002.

— Unranked recruit in the 2020 class according to 247Sports.

— Two-sport high school athlete (Football & Basketball).

— Comes from an NFL lineage with two relatives having NFL experience (Quandre Diggs & Quentin Jammer).

— Achievements in 2021: FCS All-America Second Team; Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

OVERALL

Cam Ward stands out as one of the most skilled and natural passers in the nation.

With exceptional arm talent, Ward can deliver passes across all field sections without limitations. The ball leaves his hand with impressive velocity, whether making short, intermediate, or deep throws. He skillfully adjusts the power and touch of his passes depending on distance and trajectory, notably being able to zip the ball effectively past defenders.

Ward is an accurate passer capable of reading the entire field. He adds a level of finesse with well-placed passes over defenders when needed. His quick release and precision make him effective in fast-paced passing scenarios. Moreover, his flexible arm allows him to make throws from various arm angles, fitting the ball into tight spaces. His impressive mobility lets him escape pressure and create plays, either with improvisational passes or rushing for significant yardage.

However, ball protection remains a critical focus in his draft evaluation. Ward is known as a gunslinger, as he himself admitted in an August interview. His risk-taking nature can lead to turnovers; improving calculated decision-making is essential for him moving forward. He has frequently put the ball in dangerous situations and needs to temper his desire to make spectacular plays at times.

Furthermore, he has a tendency to lock into pre-determined reads based on pre-snap formations. This habit has cost him in the past, particularly against teams like Virginia Tech. Utilizing eye manipulation to shift defenders and create throwing lanes would aid him significantly. Additionally, while he possesses athleticism, leveraging his rushing ability more could help alleviate defensive pressure.

In summary, Cam Ward is a highly gifted quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL draft class. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and accuracy is drawing attention from scouts. Ward demonstrates confidence in using hard counts to reveal defensive tactics and establish appropriate offensive protections against potential rushers. With continued development and an emphasis on minimizing errors, he has the potential to emerge as a true superstar.

GRADE: 8.73 (Impact player — 1st Round)

OVERALL RANK: 7

POSITION RANK: QB1

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Geno Smith

Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

Prospect workout figures, metrics (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be updated later.