Cam Ward: Dynamic Franchise Quarterback

I evaluated Miami quarterback (QB) Cam Ward over the summer and called him a blend between Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson.

It was high praise, and I was very intrigued to see how he turned out at Miami.

After looking over the game film from his time with the Hurricanes, I’m sold.

Background

Ward humbly began as a recruit with no-stars next to his name out of Texas (247Sports). 

He first enrolled at Incarnate Word- where he threw for 6,908 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions (2020-2021).

From there, he transferred to Washington State and threw for an additional 6,966 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions in his 2022 and 2023 seasons. 

Finally, at Miami this past year, Ward threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. He was also a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Before transferring to Miami, Ward declared for the 2024 NFL Draft but later rescinded. 

He is in the 33rd (height) and 40th (weight) percentiles respectively (per NFLDraftBuzz.com).

Per 247Sports he is also cousins with “Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs and longtime NFL cornerback Quentin Jammer.”

#1 Cameron Ward 6-foot-2, 223 pounds 
Rajvir Bal’s 2025 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)
Projected by 86.2% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of March 20, 2025 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Cam Ward has a Rare Blend of Special Abilities (2023: 4 games evaluated)

2024 game film reviewed: Florida, USF, and Virginia Tech (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Magician

This is the first word that comes to mind when I observe Ward on film.

It describes his ability to extend plays, stand in the pocket, and take control of the game.

He thrives in any situation, regardless of pressure or defenders closing in on him. He can take the game into his hands in an instant and can flip the script whenever he feels like it.

Ward’s scrambling ability allows him to run when there’s nowhere to throw, and he consistently makes the right decision on whether to run or pass.

Aggression

Ward is always looking for the big play, attacking defenses instead of settling for safe options. His killer instinct was one of the first things I noticed about him from the film. He is ready to win at whatever cost it takes.

I believe this is a trait that NFL general managers watch for very closely and a box that Ward will likely check off their lists.

Mechanics

Ward doesn’t just have good intangibles, he has polished mechanics as well. His throwing motion is effortlessly smooth and he makes fitting throws into tight windows look easy. The zip on his short passes is also impressive, allowing the ball to travel the desired distance quickly. His footwork looks good under center–rarely are throws rushed or off-platform.

He just looks smooth. Ward’s stellar throwing mechanics only add to his special abilities.

Unpolished

Ward has all the outlines of a cornerstone QB but he’s still working on putting everything together.

He’s close- but not quite there.

Occasionally, he still pre-determines his throws, gets rattled by unscripted pressure, or misfires on open throws. He also tends to attempt playing hero ball- or overcompensate, which may result in wayward plays.

While these are drawbacks, they can likely be fixed with good NFL coaching and aren’t ultimately detrimental to his game.

Ten Adjectives

Magical. Aggressive. Smooth. Confident. Dynamic. Composed. Athletic. Instinctive. Unpolished. Playmaker.

NFL Crystal Ball

Tennessee Titans

New York Giants

Cleveland Browns

Pro Comp: QB Deshaun Watson

Role on team: High-end QB1 with All-Pro and Pro Bowl upside.

Final Thoughts

Any team that drafts Ward will get a true franchise quarterback with the tools to reach All-Pro status.

Rajvir Bal is a high school student from the Virginia area. He grew up a rabid Washington Redskins fan, attending more than 30 games, and has enjoyed the team’s high points and low points throughout his life. He plays varsity football and basketball. Rajvir has taken an interest in the NFL Draft since middle school when his team picked Montez Sweat and Dwayne Haskins in the first round. His favorite NFL player ever flips between Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre, and his favorite athlete is LeBron James. He has been writing his own scouting reports since 2020, and is excited for the opportunities FirstRoundMock provides.