Cam Ward, the projected first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was compared to Ben Roethlisberger by Pro Football Focus writer Trevor Sikkema. In their most recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft posted on Monday, Pro Football Focus projects the Tennessee Titans to select Ward with the first pick.
Roethlisberger, who played at 6-5 and 240 pounds, was known for his physicality, ability to break tackles, create big plays in and out of the pocket and ability to throw deep. Ward, who put up historic numbers for the Miami Hurricanes, has excellent escapability and tied for first nationally with 74 completions of 20 or more yards.
Roethlisberger completed 65.5 percent off his pass attempts for 10,829 yards, 84 touchdowns and 35 interceptions with 246 rushing yards and seven scores in three collegiate seasons at Miami (Ohio). In three seasons at the FBS level, Ward has completed 66.0 percent for 11,281 yards, 87 TDs and 23 interceptions.
Ward also had 406 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. The collegiate numbers between Roethlisberger and Ward are very comparable. The biggest difference is Ward had a far better TD-to-interception ratio. Ward was first nationally losing seven fumbles in 2023, but he cut that down to three lost fumbles in 2024.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been compared to Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger
"17. Cameron Ward – Ben RoethlisbergerTrevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Ward is an unorthodox gunslinger, and the NFL comparison my mind keeps going back to is Ben Roethlisberger. Both had some scoot with their escapability, but you wouldn’t exactly call them mobile. Both were also fearless in pushing the ball deep down the field. It’s a high-end comparison, but I believe Ward sees the game like Big Ben did."
Another comparison is that Roethlisberger averaged 8.3 yards per pass attempt, 12.7 yards per completion, 285.0 YPG in college and a 165.8 passer rating. Ward averaged 7.9 YPA,11.9 YPC, 296.9 YPG and had a 148.8 passer rating in his three seasons in FBS.
Roethlisberger had a 7.5 TD ratio and a 2.0 interception ratio in college. Ward had a 6.1 TD ratio and a 1.6 interception ratio. Roethlisberger threw more TDs and interceptions per attempt during his FBS career than Ward. Quarterbacks have generally become better at avoiding interceptions as football evolves.
Roethlisberger could be a good player for Ward to watch film on. The way Roethlisberger and Ward can create something positive when a play breaks down is an excellent comp for Ward by Sikkema. The NFL Combine that begins on Feb. 27 will provide a chance for more Ward comparisons to Roethlisberger.