Over the past two months, former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has seen his draft stock skyrocket. Many experts predict he could be the first quarterback,or even the first player, selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, analyst Rob Rang has raised concerns about Ward’s leadership traits and overall skill set, suggesting that his rise may be overhyped.
Shedeur Sanders confronts Cam Ward over who’s the more generational quarterback ahead of the NFL Draft
Is Ward’s playstyle too risky for the NFL?
On Fox Sports’ Mock Draft 2.0, Rang pointed out that while Ward has made plenty of highlight-reel plays, his passing decisions often rely on the talent of his receivers rather than his own precision.
When you watch Cam Ward on tape, there are an awful lot of highlight-reel type of plays, no question about it,” Rang said. “At the same time, what you don’t necessarily see in all those YouTube videos and highlight reels is how many times Cam Ward basically runs around and throws the ball up into the air, just hoping his talented skill position players come down with it.
Leadership concerns could impact his draft stock
Beyond his playing style, Rang also highlighted that some NFL teams have concerns about Ward’s leadership abilities.
There are some questions about Cam Ward’s leadership traits,” he stated. “So, again, there are a lot of different things out there that lead me to believe that Cam Ward is not the lock superstar in the NFL that perhaps his draft status might suggest.
Despite these concerns, Rang predicts Ward will still be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. He believes the New York Giants will trade up from the No. 3 spot to secure Ward as their future franchise quarterback.
Will Cleveland make a move?
While the Tennessee Titans currently hold the first overall pick, it remains unclear what they plan to do. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Get Up that the Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 2 pick, are also interested in Ward. However, he noted that Cleveland may need to trade up to secure him.
When you talk to people around the league, the sense is that Cleveland would like Cam Ward… I think Cam Ward’s going to be the No. 1 pick. Unless Cleveland trades up to one, I don’t think they’re going to get Cam Ward.
With the draft approaching, the Titans have significant leverage. They could keep the pick and draft Ward, or they could trade down for a massive haul while still securing a top prospect. Their decision will shape the future of the 2025 NFL Draft.
