2025 NFL Draft: Scouting the QB Class

We're going deep with scouting reports on the top five quarterbacks

Cam Ward has emerged as the consensus QB1 in the 2025 class. But what does he do well to justify that ranking—and what about the rest of the quarterbacks? We’re going in-depth with the biggest scouting reports you’ll find on the Internet for each of the top five passers.

Up first, Cam Ward.

Scouting Cam Ward

Height: 6’2” | Weight: 223 lbs | Age: 22 (turns 23 in May 2025)
College Career: Incarnate Word (2020-21), Washington State (2022-23), Miami (2024)
Draft Projection: Top-10 Pick | Date: April 1, 2025

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Overview

Cam Ward’s journey to the top of the 2025 quarterback class is one of the most compelling stories in this draft cycle. From a zero-star high school recruit running a Wing-T offense in West Columbia, Texas, to a Heisman Trophy finalist and ACC Player of the Year at Miami, Ward has rewritten the narrative around his potential with every stop. His 2024 season with the Hurricanes—where he threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions—catapulted him into the QB1 conversation, edging out Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders in the eyes of many evaluators. Ward’s blend of arm talent, improvisational brilliance, and competitive fire makes him a tantalizing prospect, but his unorthodox style and occasional recklessness will require the right NFL fit to unlock his superstar ceiling.

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Strengths

Arm Talent & Elasticity: Ward’s arm is a cannon with a shortstop-like release, capable of generating elite velocity from any platform. He can rip throws into tight windows over the middle or launch 50-yard bombs with a flick of the wrist. His ability to toggle between touch and power is rare, and he routinely makes “wow” throws that few quarterbacks in this class can replicate. Think Patrick Mahomes-lite when he’s at his best—off-script, off-balance, and still on the money.

Playmaking Ability: Ward is a magician when the play breaks down. His 2024 tape is littered with escapes that turn broken pockets into chunk plays. He led the FBS with 39 big-time throws when holding the ball for 3+ seconds, per PFF, showcasing his knack for extending plays while keeping his eyes downfield. His 6.2 yards per carry as a runner (excluding sacks) adds another layer of dynamism—defenses have to respect his legs.

Experience & Growth: With 57 career starts across three programs, Ward brings a wealth of reps to the table. His progression from a game manager at Incarnate Word to a gunslinger at Washington State to a polished playmaker at Miami shows a steep developmental curve. He’s gotten better every year, cutting down on turnovers (from 17 INTs in 2022 to 7 in 2024) while maintaining his aggressive edge.

Poise in Chaos: Ward thrives in high-pressure moments. His 25-point comeback against Cal in 2024—where he went 25-of-36 for 352 yards and 4 TDs in the second half alone—is the kind of signature performance that sticks with scouts. He doesn’t flinch when the pocket collapses or the game’s on the line, a trait that translates to Sundays.

Middle-Field Mastery: Ward’s 95.1 PFF passing grade between the numbers was the best in the FBS in 2024. He anticipates windows opening, delivers with timing, and isn’t afraid to attack tight coverage. This is where his mental growth shines—he’s not just a freelancer; he can operate within structure when needed.

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Weaknesses

Pocket Drift: Ward’s freelancing comes with a cost. He has a tendency to drift unnecessarily in the pocket, often toward the side he’s scanning, which invites pressure and stresses his offensive line. This habit can shrink his field vision, causing him to miss open receivers or delay checkdowns. It’s coachable, but it’s a persistent flaw across his tape.

Risky Decision-Making: Ward’s big-game hunting mentality is a double-edged sword. He trusts his arm too much at times, forcing throws into double coverage or taking sacks when he should throw it away. His 2024 interception total (7) is low, but he had 15 turnover-worthy plays, per PFF, suggesting some luck masked his recklessness. NFL defenses will punish those gambles.

Footwork Inconsistencies: Ward’s unorthodox delivery—described as “loose” by some scouts—leads to inconsistent footwork. He’ll throw off his back foot or fall away from targets, sacrificing accuracy on routine throws. His completion percentage (67.2%) is solid, but he left yards on the field with erratic ball placement against Florida and Georgia Tech.

Calm to a Fault: Ward’s cool demeanor is a strength, but he can be too nonchalant in the pocket. He holds the ball low in his stance and lacks urgency at times, disrupting the timing of Miami’s passing game. This casual approach won’t fly against NFL pass rushes that feast on hesitation.

Competition Questions: While Ward torched Power 5 defenses in 2024, his earlier tape against FCS and lesser Pac-12 foes raises questions about how he’ll fare against pro-level speed and complexity. His worst games (e.g., vs. Georgia Tech in 2024: 58.6% completion, 1 TD, 1 INT) came against physical, aggressive defenses that rattled his rhythm.

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NFL Comparison

High-End Comp: Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)
Ward’s creativity, arm strength, and ability to turn nothing into something echo Williams’ game. If he lands with a playcaller who embraces his improvisational gifts—like Shane Waldron did for Williams in Chicago—he could hit a similar ceiling as a top-10 NFL quarterback.