Former NFL general manager casts doubt on Miami Hurricanes QB Cam Ward's draft outlook despite dominant Week 1 debut
The Miami Hurricanes are on cloud nine after beating the Florida Gators 41-17 in Week 1. New quarterback Cam Ward was given a huge NIL deal to come to South Florida over going to the NFL or another program, and he delivered with a tremendous performance. Ward completed 26 passes for 385 yards and three […]
The Miami Hurricanes are on cloud nine after beating the Florida Gators 41-17 in Week 1. New quarterback Cam Ward was given a huge NIL deal to come to South Florida over going to the NFL or another program, and he delivered with a tremendous performance. Ward completed 26 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns at Florida.
However, Ward's NFL outlook is an interesting topic despite the excitement in Coral Gables about whether Miami is ready to win the ACC and make a College Football Playoff bid. The former Washington State and Incarnate Word playmaker doesn't seem to have a fan in one former NFL general manager.
Rick Spielman, who was a solid general manager for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006 through 2021, shared his feelings on Ward on the With The First Pick Podcast on CBS. When Ryan Wilson shared his take on Ward in his most recent mock draft, putting Ward 13th overall to the Raiders, Spielman was shocked.
Spielman called it a "bizarro world" that he'd put Ward in Las Vegas, comparing Ward to former Liberty and Tennessee Titans QB Malik Willis. Willis was taken in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft and was just recently traded to the Green Bay Packers for a pack of peanuts.
I can actually see where Spielman is coming from. I've heard some talk about Ward's processing and commitment to the game being in issue in past years. While it's possible that improves, being anything less than a genius will lead to NFL struggles.
We've seen that with Willis, who came from a similar spread offense with few NFL concepts. He completed only 53 percent of his passes across 11 games and was unable to keep the starting job.
I think Ward has more passing touch and natural ability than Willis, who was a power thrower. But it is an interesting comparison right now until Ward proves he can see the field and make post-snap decisions at a high level.
Cam Ward 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Quarterbacks rarely exhibit a play style as thrilling as Ward's. In terms of playmaking abilities in 2023 and 2022, only Caleb Williams stood out more. However, Ward's playstyle raises some eyebrows when considering his NFL projection.
Ward possesses exceptional skills and an instinctive understanding of the game, providing a solid foundation. His arm's extraordinary flexibility and strength enable him to challenge and exceed conventional expectations. He shares Bryce Young's agility but surpasses him in height, build, and arm dynamics.
However, Ward's areas for improvement include becoming more consistent, both in his physical performance and mental approach. Although he has a good field vision, he needs to rely more on the system and not shoulder too much responsibility alone.
His potential NFL draft position could vary significantly, from a Round 1 pick as a bonafide NFL starter to a later-round project selection. While Ward's talent is undeniable, his progression will be crucial in defining his professional trajectory. He's rated as an early Day 3 pick to start the 2024 season.
