Cam Ward sends clear message to NFL teams even thinking of not drafting him

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward provided a message during his acceptance speech for the Davey O'Brien Award to teams who could pass on him in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward stated franchises who do not draft him will regret things, as he'll keep things in mind whenever he faces opposing squads.

The NFL Mock Draft Database has projected Ward as the No. 1 overall pick since Jan. 13. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter are the most likely players who could be drafted ahead of Ward, though Abdul Carter is a player to keep an eye on as well.

The Tennessee Titans currently hold the first pick in the NFL Draft. Will Levis, who was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by Tennessee, is currently the Titans QB. The Cleveland Browns hold the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, followed by the New York Giants.

Tennessee, Cleveland and the Giants all need QBs of the future. Cleveland has Deshaun Watson coming off of an injury and Jameis Winston is set to hit free agency. The Giants moved on from Daniel Jones during the 2024 season and seem highly likely to select a QB in the first round.

Miami QB Cam Ward will be ready to make teams regret passing on him in the NFL Draft

Nick Akridge of Pro Football Focus said of Ward in his scouting report, "he possesses the physical traits to be an NFL quarterback, but most importantly, he also has flashed the mental ability." Ward has five seasons of experience as a Division-I starter, which is nearly unprecedented after receiving an extra year because of Covid.

Ward finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting behind Hunter, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. Going from a Football Bowl Subdivision player with few to no FBS scholarship offers to Washington State to Miami and now an almost sure top NFL Draft pick has been a meteoric rise for Ward.