Miami quarterback Cam Ward, a leading prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, has opted not to participate in the throwing drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, choosing instead to showcase his skills at Miami’s Pro Day on March 24.
Decision to Forego Combine Throwing
Ward addressed his decision during a press conference at the Combine, stating that his extensive collegiate experience provides ample evidence of his capabilities. “I won’t be throwing. I just think five years of film says everything I can do,” Ward remarked.
Addressing Pocket Presence Criticisms
Ward also confronted critiques regarding his tendency to hold onto the football longer than some analysts deem ideal. He defended his approach by emphasizing his commitment to maximizing offensive opportunities. “End of the day, you got time in the pocket, why would you not hold onto the ball to let your receivers get open? If you’re able to make plays out of structure, you’re going to hold onto the ball to try to make a play and get your receivers open,” Ward explained.
Collegiate Achievements
Ward’s college career is distinguished by significant accomplishments. After transferring to Miami, he led the Hurricanes to a 13th-place finish in the final College Football Playoff rankings. His performance earned him the ACC Player of the Year award, as well as the Davey O’Brien and Manning Awards, recognizing him as the nation’s top quarterback. Ward also finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Draft Projections
Despite his decision to abstain from Combine throwing drills, Ward remains a top quarterback prospect. Teams such as the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints have shown interest in him. Notably, the Cleveland Browns, holding the No. 2 overall pick, have hosted Ward for evaluations, underscoring his prominence in draft discussions.
Looking Ahead
Ward’s upcoming Pro Day will be a pivotal opportunity for him to demonstrate his readiness for the NFL. As the draft approaches, his performance during these evaluations will be closely scrutinized by teams seeking a dynamic and resilient quarterback to lead their franchises.
