HEIGHT: 6’2″
WEIGHT: 223
POSITIVES
— Natural and effortless passer.
— Exceptional playmaker who can improvise effectively.
— Strong command of the offense, making pre-snap protection calls and adjustments.
— Arm flexibility allows for varied throwing angles.
— Impressive arm strength and control.
NEGATIVES
— Needs to focus on ball security and reducing turnover-worthy plays.
— Should minimize hero ball tendencies and take what defenses offer.
— Needs to avoid predetermined reads and decisions pre-snap.
— Should better utilize his athleticism when appropriate.
NOTES
— Born on May 25, 2002.
— Unranked recruit in the 2020 class per 247Sports.
— Multi-sport high school athlete (Football & Basketball).
— Has NFL lineage with two relatives who have NFL experience (Quandre Diggs & Quentin Jammer).
— 2021: FCS All-America Second Team; Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
OVERALL
Cam Ward stands out as one of the most talented and instinctive passers in the nation. He possesses the arm strength to cover all areas of the field and deliver the ball with remarkable velocity. His ability to adjust touch and speed based on the situation allows him to complete passes effectively. Ward excels at layering throws above underneath defenders and is especially effective in quick passing situations.
His flexibility in throwing from different angles enables him to navigate around defenders effectively. With good mobility, he can extend plays and pose a threat both with his arm and legs, making him dangerous whether he’s rolling out for a throw or running for significant yardage.
However, ball security remains a crucial aspect for Ward as he tends to take risks, which could lead to turnovers. He needs to improve on making calculated decisions rather than relying on high-risk plays. For instance, he often makes assumptions based on pre-snap reads, which has led to trouble in the past, particularly against opponents like Virginia Tech. Improving on manipulating defenders and engaging his rushing ability more will enhance his overall effectiveness.
In summary, Cam Ward is one of the top throwers in this draft class. His blend of arm talent, mobility, and precision is increasingly appealing to NFL scouts. He shows comfort in using hard counts to reveal defensive schemes and can effectively adjust protections against extra rushers. If he can reduce mistakes and manage risks better, he has the potential to be a superstar.
GRADE: 8.73 (Impact player — 1st Round)
OVERALL RANK: 7
POSITION RANK: QB1
PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Geno Smith
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