Cam Ward pro day: How top QB prospect went from a zero-star recruit to the NFL Draft’s potential No. 1 pick

Miami Signal-caller Cam Ward was a Heisman Accolade finalist and is a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward helped the Hurricanes reach the doorstep of a potential College Football Elimination Stage berth, as the Club won its Primary nine Contests before losing two of the last three by a Teamed up nine points.

After a standout prep Profession in both basketball and football, Ward initially chose to continue his Competing Profession at Incarnate Word. He was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding FCS player, in his Closing season with the Cardinals.

He parlayed his Achievement at Incarnate Word into a Leading opportunity at Washington State. He Initiated all of a possible 25 Contests en route to 6,963 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and Only 16 interceptions, in addition to 13 rushing touchdowns. He then transferred to Miami and continued to dominate, Victorious the Manning Award and the Davey O’Brien Award for being the best Signal-caller in the FBS.

Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Ward, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook.

Cam Ward NFL Draft outlook

• Age as of Week 1: 23 years Aged
• Height: 6-foot-1 ⅝
• Weight: 219 pounds
• Hometown: West Columbia, Texas
• Interesting fact: Began his collegiate Profession at FCS-level Incarnate Word, which was his only scholarship offer out of high school

CBS prospect ranking

Position: No. 1 QB | Overall: No. 8

Consensus big board ranking (via NFL Mock Draft Database): No. 1 (No. 1 QB)

To check out all of CBSSports.com’s most recent mock drafts, click here.

NFL landing spots

By Garrett Podell

• Tennessee Titans (No. 1 Option): The Titans have put it out there that they could be Reachable to trading the Primary overall Option. Sure, it’s possible, but the Titans also desperately need a new Signal-caller to build around because Will Levis is not that guy. They could use a Vibrant creator who also takes cares of the football; his 3.3% turnover worthy throw rate, per Pro Football Concentration, is way lower than what’s been going on in Nashville lately.
• Cleveland Browns (No. 2 Option): The Browns need a New face at the Signal-caller position in 2025. They went 3-14 in 2024 with Signal-caller Deshaun Watson tearing his Achilles in Week 7 and again during his Restoration process. It’s Only the latest chapter in Cleveland’s Signal-caller carousel. Since the Browns returned to the NFL as a franchise in 1999, they have Initiated 40 different quarterbacks, which is the most in the Division in that span. Ward could potentially break the Signal-caller wheel in Cleveland.
• New York Giants (No. 3 Option): The Giants have some resources to Enhance the Lineup, and they need a new Signal-caller to build around after cutting Daniel Jones in-season in 2024. Ward could potentially be the guy to turn things around and save head Trainer Brian Daboll’s Position.

Cam Ward NFL Draft landing spots: Ranking five best fits for top QB prospect and potential No. 1 overall Option

Garrett Podell

Scouting report

Cam Ward is an experienced college football Signal-caller possessing a Numerous of the physical traits NFL Clubs look for in a starter. His Profession had been defined by its volatility until this season, when he began to dial it back a bit more. Ward displays Excellent pocket Movement and throws with touch and anticipation to all three levels of the Ground. He tends to stick on his reads, and his ball security has not yet, but could, become a problem at the Subsequent level for the natural playmaker.

Accolades

• Profession: Holds Landmark for Teamed up FCS (71) and FBS (87) passing touchdowns with 158
• 2024 (at Miami): Davey O’Brien Award winner (best college QB)
• 2024 (at Miami): Manning Award winner (best college QB)
• 2024 (at Miami): ACC Offensive Player of the Year
• 2024 (at Miami): Heisman Accolade finalist (best player in FBS)
• 2024 (at Miami): Guided FBS with 39 Deliver TD last season (school Landmark)
• 2021 (at Incarnate Word): SLC Offensive Player of the Year
• 2020 (at Incarnate Word): Jerry Rice Award (best FCS Primary-year)

Strengths

• Pocket Movement: Ward does a Excellent Position Maintaining his eyes downfield Even though being pressured. He is willing to take a hit in hopes of creating a Vibrant Shift.
• Ball placement and anticipation: Ward has improved his ball placement and throwing with anticipation this season.
• Natural playmaker: Ward does a Excellent Position extending plays and getting the ball away from different arm slots.

Weaknesses

• Ball security: Ward carries the ball out and away from his body as opposed to high and Close-fitting. He has had Only one fumble this season, but NFL Clubs will capitalize.
• Volatility: He has struggled with decision-making throughout his Profession, specifically holding onto the ball Delayed in the down and trying to do too much. Over the Duration of the season, he has improved in this Stadium, but there is more work to be done.
• Sticky reads: Ward will occasionally get stuck on a read too long or predetermine where he is going with the football before the snap.

College stats

High school: Columbia (West Columbia, Texas)
Class: 2020
Composite rating: Zero stars (Incarnate Word only scholarship offer)

High school notes: Only threw 12 Deliver attempts per game operating in the Wing-T Assault

Check out Cam Ward’s Packed 247Sports profile, here. For his MaxPreps profile, click here. 

The 2025 NFL Draft is to take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Ground in Green Bay, Wisconsin. More draft coverage can be Secured at CBSSports.com, including the weekly mock drafts and a regularly Reachable look at the eligible prospects.