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Who will draft Cam Ward? Best NFL draft fits, landing spots for Heisman finalist

ayrton ostly, usa today
·4 min read

For the first time since 2002, the Miami Hurricanes have a Heisman Trophy finalist. Quarterback Cam Ward transferred to the program ahead of the 2024 season and had an instant impact for the Hurricanes.

Ward broke multiple Miami single-season passing records this fall, including passing yards and passing touchdowns. He's a finalist for a host of other honors, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Davey O'Brien, Manning and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards.

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The Hurricanes led the country in scoring offense this fall at 44.2 points per game and ranked second in passing yards per game at 359.3. Ward led one of the most potent passing attacks in college football and finished in fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.

Here's what to know about Ward and where he could end up in the NFL in the 2025 NFL draft.

Cam Ward scouting report

Ward came to Miami for 2024 following two-year stops in the pass-happy offenses at FCS program Incarnate Word as well as Washington State.

He's improved every year as a passer and has the arm strength to make every throw required at the NFL level. His arm is one of the strongest in the class and he can easily make throws at short, intermediate, and deep portions of the field. He's shown growth with manipulating touch to match the needed trajectory for a throw.

He's accurate and combines that with a flexible arm that can fire from multiple angles, including on the run. Ward's a mobile quarterback with an ideal frame at 6-2 and around 225 lbs.

He has experience setting protections at the line and has consistently improved in college at anticipating throws. As far as intangibles, his football character is what you want from an NFL starter.

Ward has the physical profile of a gunslinging quarterback and that's where the negatives can creep in. He can be reckless with the ball and that leads to turnover-worthy plays that he very likely won't get away with at the NFL level.

He also relies on pre-snap reads of a defense more than you'd like from a top prospect. That issue came up in a big way against Virginia Tech. In an NFL with increasing disguised coverage rates, Ward could have trouble to start out.

Who will draft Cam Ward?

Ward is widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft and potentially the first overall selection.

Cam Ward's best NFL fits

Ward has the tools to be a star passer in the NFL but may benefit from sitting at least part of his first season. If he has to start right away, he may benefit from a good offensive playcaller who can ease the risk-taking tendencies out of him.

  • New York Giants: The Giants need a new franchise quarterback and Ward would be an exciting pairing with 2024 top pick Malik Nabers. His splash play potential would be an exciting change in New York and he has the personality to handle the New York media market as well. If Brian Daboll remains the head coach in 2025, Ward would be an exciting way for him to turn the offense around.

  • Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders similarly need a new, exciting quarterback prospect for the future. This isn't an ideal landing spot for his development seeing as there's uncertainty about who will coach the team next year but tight end Brock Bowers is a top target for Ward to lean on and the offensive line is good enough to keep him protected.

  • Tennessee Titans: Depending on how the regular season finishes out, Tennessee could be in range for Ward within the first few picks. Coach Brian Callahan worked for years under Zac Taylor in Cincinnati with a high-flying offense. The Titans don't have the skill position talent to maximize Ward as a passer just yet but have the offensive line infrastructure to keep him protected as he works into the NFL as a starter.

  • New York Jets: The Jets could also be in line for a top pick depending on the next few weeks. Ward would be an exciting passer work with Garrett Wilson if Aaron Rodgers moves on. There are lots of question marks, though, especially about who will be coaching the offense and what the offensive line will look like next season.

Cam Ward stats

Ward has been one of the most prolific passers in college football this season. Here's how he looks ahead of bowl season:

  • Passing: 293 of 435 (67.4%)

  • Passing yards: 4,123

  • Passing touchdowns: 36

  • Interceptions: 7

  • Quarterback rating: 171.1

  • Carries: 58

  • Rushing yards: 196

  • Rushing touchdowns: 4

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cam Ward NFL draft fits: Jets, Giants headline best landing spots