While it appears that Miami's Cam Ward has separated himself as the top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, the talented passer has weaknesses to address, according to an NFL scout.
Ward (6-foot-2, 219 pounds) took home ACC Player of the Year honors and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after leading the Hurricanes to a 10-3 season.
The former unranked recruit, who transferred from Incarnate Word and Washington State, led the nation in touchdown passes (39) and finished second nationally in passing yards (4,313) with seven interceptions.
Ward finished his collegiate career as college football's all-time leader in career-touchdown passes (178).
While outlining the strengths of weaknesses of the top quarterback prospects, ESPN's Jordan Reid revealed Ward's supposed concerns from an AFC area scout.
Although Ward's knack for finding explosive plays often times leads to points, it can also cause turnovers. According to the anonymous scout, Ward's "itch for reckless plays" may not be a coachable issue.
"He has times where he has to scratch his itch for reckless plays, and it leaves you asking, 'What the heck was he thinking there?'" the scout said via ESPN. "I like him and don't know if that can be coached out of him."
Miami QB Cam Ward Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Ward is arguably the most evaluated prospect in the class. Quarterback is the premium role, and teams like the Tennessee Titans (No. 1 pick), the Cleveland Browns (No. 2) and the New York Giants (No. 3) have decisions to make at the position.
"Ward is a work in progress when it comes to controlling careless plays and head-scratching decisions outside of structure that lead to turnovers, with his pick-six against Cal being a prime example," Reid wrote. "He also had spurts of inaccuracy against Georgia Tech, helping contribute to Miami's first loss of the season."
Ward is the heavy favorite to be taken first overall at -370 (FanDuel). And he leads Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (+2400) by a wide margin.
About anything can happen on draft night. But it appears that Ward's sometimes reckless playing style won't result in a significant drop, as Ward's strengths likely outweigh the inconsistencies.
"What is most impressive is Ward's poise and calm demeanor," Reid wrote. "He was his best in the biggest moments of the season, especially in fourth quarters."
Ward did not workout at the combine last week in Indianapolis, but he is slated to perform in front of NFL personnel during Miami's Pro Day (TBD).
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 3:48 PM.