The spotlight is on Cam Ward as he goes through the NFL Combine and prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. With his impressive college track record, leadership skills and confidence, he’s making a strong case to be the #1 overall pick. But beyond the stats and awards, it’s his maturity, poise and ability to connect with his teammates that really sets him apart.
Why Cam Ward Could Be the Top Pick
Cam Ward’s path to the NFL Draft has been unconventional. He started at the University of the Incarnate Word—an FCS school—then transferred to Washington State where he played well before ending up at the University of Miami (Fla.) for his final college season. In one year with the Hurricanes he led the team to a 10-3 record, 39 touchdown passes and ACC Player of the Year and Davey O’Brien Award.
Ward’s 158 career touchdown passes set a new Division I record, and he’s one of the all-time greats at quarterback. His decision to sit out the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl (which was met with some criticism) hasn’t hurt his draft stock. Instead, he addressed the controversy head-on during his combine presser.
“No discussion at all,” Ward said. “At the end of the day, it’s March. Bowl game’s in December. At some point you’ve got to move on.”
His parents, Patrice and Calvin, were beaming with pride as he fielded tough questions like a pro. He’s not just preparing for the NFL, he’s already acting like a franchise quarterback.
What Makes Cam Ward Stand Out?
One of Ward’s big traits is his leadership. former teammates rave about his ability to unite a locker room and hold players accountable. Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo called him “the ultimate guy” and “ultimate teammate.”
“He’s not afraid to hold people accountable,” Arroyo said. “He wants to win and he holds the team to a standard.”
Hurricanes receiver Jacolby George echoed those sentiments, saying Ward changed the program during his one year in Coral Gables. “Playing with Cam Ward was great,” George said. “He came in and changed everything. We all learned from him and we just became one when he was in the facility.”
Ward isn’t a rah-rah leader but his quiet confidence and example-setting approach resonates with those around him. He knows what it takes to lead professionals who are older and more experienced.
“At this point in your career in the NFL you shouldn’t need somebody to motivate you every day,” Ward said. “You have to be self-motivated. That’s the type of person I am, that’s the type of leader I am.”
On-Field Skills That Translate to the NFL
When asked about his strengths, Ward said winning from the pocket was high on the list.
“If you can’t win in the pocket,” Ward said, “you’ll never be successful.”
His arm is elite. Ward has a fast ball and is athletic enough to make plays when required. But he likes to point to his intangibles—mindset, prep, work ethic—as the secret to his success.
“If you have time in the pocket, why wouldn’t you hold the ball and let your receivers get open?” Ward said of his critics who say he holds onto the ball too long. “If you can make plays out of structure, of course you’re going to try to make something happen.”
That combination of physical and mental toughness makes Ward a interesting prospect for teams looking for a franchise quarterback.
Teams Eyeing Cam Ward
Ward has met with several top seven teams in the draft including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets. All of these teams need stability at the QB position and Ward’s skill set could be the spark they need.
“It’s wild how everything can change,” Ward said. “I’m not worried about no spotlight. At the end of the day the camera’s gonna find you if you’re a franchise quarterback somewhere.”
Despite joining a struggling franchise Ward is excited to prove himself. He knows the road won’t be easy but he’s willing to put in the work.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to win a football game,” Ward said. “Whether it’s being a gunslinger all day or handing the ball off a couple times I know what type of player I am.”
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