The 2025 NFL Draft's first overall pick, Cam Ward, has become the center of a media controversy involving Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal and ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
Cristobal said that he spoke to lots of people about Cam Ward during the pre-draft process but Kiper Jr. was not one of the people. Given Wards status as the surefire No. 1 pick heading into the draft, Cristobal was surprised that one of the most well-known NFL Draft analysts did not speak to him.
"Never heard from him," said Cristobal. "I don't think I ever talked to him." He also went on to explain that he talked to so many different teams and analysts that he really only recalls who he did not talk to. Another part of the rising drama is that Kiper had consistently ranked Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders as his top quarterback prospect, even as Ward's stock rose leading up to the draft. During ESPN's draft coverage, Kiper focused heavily on Sanders who ultimately fell to the fifth round.
There has been criticism around the lack of coverage for when Ward was selected on the broadcast, as well as when Warren Moon gave Ward permission to wear his retired jersey number. Both headlines went under the radar due to Sanders dropping. The lack of coverage around Moon giving Ward his number shouldn't be attributed to Kiper but the draft coverage falls, in part, on him.
In response to Cristobal's comments, Kiper noted that he had ranked Ward sixth on his Big Board, higher than any other draft expert, despite not having direct communication with Cristobal. He also mentioned that he hadn't spoken to Deion Sanders, emphasizing that his analyses were independent.
Cristobal mentioned that his primary concern was Ward's perspective, stating, "The only reason I would be disappointed, was if Cam was, but knowing Cam, he just wanted to hear the name and exactly where he was going and get to work."
This may be the last part of the social media feud as Cristobal has a program to run and Kiper is most likely already preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. But it begs the question, is Ward starting to become one of the least covered No. 1 overall pick QB's in recent memory?