Sep 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) drops back as Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Wilfried Pene (91) defends during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Cam Ward QB Miami | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Cam Ward QB Miami
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 01/03/2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.87 seconds (40%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.7 DOB: 05/25/2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: Mobile Pocket Passer | |
| Last Updated: 01/03/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.87 seconds (40%*) | |
| Age: 22.7 DOB: 05/25/2002 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 89.7 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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73% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Release Speed: |
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78% |
| Short Passing: |
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83% |
| Medium Passing: |
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92% |
| Long Passing: |
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93% |
| Rush/Scramble: |
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77% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 10
Overall Rank:
#8
Position rank:
#2
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| College Games: 42 College Snaps: 2942 | ||
247 RATING: 94/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zach Wilson - BYU |
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85% |
| Bo Nix - Oregon |
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82% |
| Sam Howell - North Carolina |
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78% |
Draft Profile: Bio
From unheralded Texas high school prospect to Heisman finalist, Cameron Ward's ascent has scouts buzzing. The West Columbia native's journey through Incarnate Word and Washington State culminated in a record-shattering 2024 campaign at Miami, where he rewrote the Hurricane record books. Ward's evolution from FCS standout to Power Five sensation showcases his rapid development curve, finishing with 4,123 passing yards and breaking both Bernie Kosar's single-season passing record and Steve Walsh's touchdown mark - though his abrupt halftime exit from the Pop-Tarts Bowl has become a significant talking point among evaluators.Ward's meteoric rise hit full stride in Miami's opener, torching Florida for 385 yards in a statement road win. His signature moment came engineering a 25-point comeback at Cal, displaying the clutch gene that had NFL evaluators reaching for their notepads. The Davey O'Brien Award winner and ACC Player of the Year carved up defenses with surgical precision, eclipsing 300 yards passing eight times while adding dangerous mobility that kept defensive coordinators up at night.
The film shows a quarterback who's grown dramatically since his FCS days, though his controversial Pop-Tarts Bowl exit after a stellar first half has some scouts questioning his competitive makeup. Still, Ward's remarkable development from Wing-T high school QB to potential first-round pick reflects his dedication to mastering the position's nuances.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Demonstrates rare arm elasticity and release speed, whipping throws from multiple platforms with elite velocity - routinely hits tight windows other QBs wouldn't dare attempt
- Natural improvisational skills pop on tape, shows special ability extending plays while keeping eyes downfield and maintaining throwing mechanics
- Processing speed has taken a massive leap, recognizing coverages pre-snap and working through progressions with improved efficiency
- Lethal accuracy in the intermediate game, particularly on deep crossers and seam routes where he layers throws beautifully over linebackers
- Creates explosive plays with his legs without abandoning passing opportunities - rushed for over 300 yards while maintaining pocket discipline
- Ice water in his veins during crucial moments, evidenced by the Cal comeback and multiple fourth quarter rallies
- Quick mental processing allows him to dissect zone coverage and find soft spots - showed particular growth here during ACC play
- Commanding presence in the huddle and at the line, handles protection adjustments and audibles with veteran savvy
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Sometimes relies too heavily on arm talent, throwing off back foot rather than resetting feet when pocket gets muddy
- Ball security remains a concern, particularly when extending plays - had eight fumbles in 2024 despite improved pocket awareness
- Deep ball accuracy can waver when mechanical base breaks down, especially on throws beyond 45 yards
- Still developing consistency reading complex coverage rotations, particularly against disguised safety looks
- Pop-Tarts Bowl exit raises questions about competitive drive and leadership that will require thorough vetting during pre-draft process
Scouting Report: Summary
Ward's exceptional 2024 campaign positions him as a premier quarterback prospect, though his unexpected halftime exit from the Pop-Tarts Bowl after a stellar first half (190 yards, 3 TDs) adds an element of intrigue to his evaluation. While the circumstances of his absence remain unclear, his remarkable body of work - engineering multiple comebacks, breaking school records, and consistent clutch performance - speaks to his potential as a franchise quarterback.The development arc from FCS star to Power Five sensation demonstrates Ward's exceptional capacity for growth and adaptation. His combination of elite arm talent, anticipation, and mobility puts him firmly in the first-round conversation. While teams will certainly explore the bowl game situation during interviews, his track record of leadership and performance under pressure throughout the season provides important context.
NFL teams will find a proven playmaker worthy of first-round consideration. Ward's ability to create within structure while maintaining accuracy on off-platform throws makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses. His processing speed and ability to elevate an entire offense stand out even in a strong quarterback class. The bowl game situation requires clarity, but shouldn't overshadow a season of elite play that showcased all the tools needed to become a franchise cornerstone.
Written By:
Felix Green (ACC)
Cam Ward percentiles vs other Quarterbacks (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Cam Ward (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
22.4
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
1.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.