A Detailed Analysis: Cam Ward’s Potential and Her Impact on the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent years, particularly due to the prominence of quarterbacks in the class. Among the top quarterbacks, Cam Ward has positioned himself as a strong contender for the top pick. Known for his dynamic playmaking ability, Ward has the tools necessary to become a franchise cornerstone in the NFL. He is projected by many analysts as a potential number one overall selection, with scouts continuously impressed by his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to create plays on the move.

One of the things that stand out most about Cam Ward is his versatility as a quarterback. Throughout his college career, he’s demonstrated the ability to make all the throws required of an NFL quarterback—from deep bombs to tight-window slants. His mobility allows him to evade pressure in the pocket and keep plays alive, something many NFL teams find crucial in today’s game, which increasingly demands dual-threat quarterbacks. However, Ward is more than just an athletic quarterback; his vision, decision-making, and leadership qualities have been integral to his rise in the draft rankings.

Ward’s Key Strengths

Arm Strength and Playmaking Ability:
Ward’s arm strength is one of the key reasons why he’s being discussed as a top quarterback prospect. His deep-ball accuracy is remarkable, and he can make throws to all levels of the field. His playmaking ability, particularly his ability to improvise under pressure, is another aspect that makes him stand out. NFL teams are becoming increasingly enamored with quarterbacks who can create plays when the pocket breaks down, and Ward’s ability to throw on the move is something that teams look for in the modern NFL.

Poise and Decision-Making:
While Ward is known for his raw athletic ability, what may separate him from other quarterbacks is his poise and decision-making. He can read defenses well, process information quickly, and make decisions under pressure. These qualities are especially important for a quarterback in the NFL, where split-second decisions can have a profound impact on a game. Ward’s ability to stay calm under pressure, especially in critical moments, has garnered significant praise.

Leadership:
Leadership is an intangible quality that is often discussed when evaluating quarterbacks. Ward has been praised for his ability to lead his team both on and off the field. His vocal presence in the huddle, his composure in crunch-time situations, and his leadership during practice have all made him a beloved figure in Miami’s locker room. Leadership plays an important role in determining how a quarterback will adapt to the rigorous demands of the NFL.

Challenges and Areas of Improvement

Despite his considerable skill set, Ward’s transition to the NFL will not be without challenges. Like most quarterbacks entering the professional ranks, Ward will have to adjust to a higher level of competition. The speed of the game at the NFL level is drastically different from what he’s faced in college, and Ward will need to improve his consistency, especially in terms of reading defenses and handling pressure.

Decision-Making Under Pressure:
While Ward has been praised for his decision-making, he has occasionally made mistakes when under intense pressure. Whether it’s throwing an interception or forcing an ill-advised pass, these moments have occasionally led to setbacks. In the NFL, where defenses are far more complex and aggressive, this will be a critical area of improvement. Working on his pocket awareness and making quicker decisions will be paramount to his success at the next level.

Developing Chemistry with NFL Receiving Corps:
Another aspect Ward will need to improve upon is developing chemistry with his receivers. While he has an impressive ability to make difficult throws, in the NFL, chemistry with a team’s receiving corps is crucial. Ward will need to adjust his timing, rhythm, and understanding of his wide receivers’ tendencies to take full advantage of his arm strength and accuracy.

Shedeur Sanders: The Poised, Efficient Quarterback

While Cam Ward may be the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2025 draft class, Shedeur Sanders has proven himself as one of the most efficient and poised quarterbacks in college football. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur has embraced the high expectations that come with his last name and developed into one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the country.

After starting his career at Jackson State under his father’s tutelage, Sanders transferred to Colorado, where he quickly made his mark as one of the top quarterbacks in the Pac-12. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations, paired with his accuracy, has impressed NFL scouts. Much like Ward, Sanders has the tools to be an NFL quarterback, but his route to success will differ in some key areas.

Shedeur Sanders’ Key Strengths

Accuracy and Timing:
One of Sanders’ best traits is his accuracy. He consistently puts the ball on the money, which helps his receivers make plays after the catch. His timing and precision are key factors in his ability to lead offenses efficiently. Sanders throws with anticipation and can make tight-window throws on a regular basis, particularly on out-routes and crossing patterns, which are essential in the modern NFL offense. NFL scouts have taken note of this, recognizing Sanders as one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the 2025 class.

Decision-Making and Composure:
Sanders plays the game with remarkable poise, something that is often overlooked in college football but crucial at the next level. Even under pressure, he is calm and collected, consistently making sound decisions. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions with the ball has allowed him to be highly efficient throughout his college career. Sanders’ maturity and mental toughness will serve him well in the NFL, where quarterbacks are often expected to remain composed during intense moments.

Leadership and Influence:
As the leader of Colorado’s offense, Sanders has demonstrated the ability to rally his teammates and lead them to victory. His leadership extends beyond his on-field performance, as he’s a vocal and energetic presence in the locker room. Sanders has also shown an impressive work ethic and dedication to his craft, which have further solidified his standing as a future NFL quarterback.

Challenges and Areas of Improvement

Despite his efficiency, Sanders has areas where he needs to continue growing in order to succeed at the next level.

Mobility and Escape Ability:
While Sanders is a highly capable quarterback in the pocket, he isn’t known for his mobility in the same way that Cam Ward is. While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker in terms of his NFL prospects, Sanders may need to improve his ability to extend plays outside the pocket. In the modern NFL, the ability to escape pressure and make plays on the move is becoming increasingly important. If Sanders can develop his escape ability, he’ll be able to add another dimension to his game and make himself even more dangerous.

Adjusting to NFL Speed:
Much like Ward, Sanders will need to adjust to the faster pace of the NFL. The level of competition in the NFL is much more intense than what Sanders has faced in college, and this will be a crucial hurdle he must overcome. The speed of the game, the complexity of NFL defenses, and the strength of defensive lines will require Sanders to adjust his playmaking style. Working on his pocket awareness, and quickly processing and reacting to defensive schemes will be key to his development as an NFL quarterback.

Will Howard: Ohio State’s Elite Quarterback Prospect

In contrast to both Sanders and Ward, Will Howard of Ohio State has quietly emerged as the most well-rounded quarterback prospect in the 2025 draft class. Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national title, has showcased a balanced skill set that includes exceptional decision-making, accuracy, and leadership. Throughout the season, Howard demonstrated his ability to manage games efficiently while making key throws in clutch situations. His leadership, particularly in high-pressure scenarios, has earned him a reputation as the best quarterback in the class.

Howard’s Strengths

Accuracy and Arm Strength:
Howard combines excellent accuracy with a strong arm, allowing him to make throws to all areas of the field. His deep ball is particularly impressive, and his ability to throw with touch or velocity as needed sets him apart. NFL scouts have highlighted Howard’s ability to make difficult throws in tight windows, which will be essential at the professional level.

Decision-Making:
One of Howard’s biggest strengths is his decision-making. He rarely forces throws and has a strong understanding of when to take risks and when to play it safe. His ability to read defenses quickly and deliver the ball to the right spot has made him an effective game manager. Teams in need of a reliable and efficient quarterback are expected to be high on Howard.

Leadership and Intangibles:
Much like Sanders, Howard’s leadership is a key component of his success. His ability to command the huddle and keep his team motivated in tight situations is critical. On top of that, Howard’s maturity and mental toughness have stood out. Scouts have noted that he is a leader both on and off the field, and that kind of composure and influence is invaluable for an NFL quarterback.

Howard’s Challenges

Despite being considered the most well-rounded quarterback, Howard is not immune to challenges. Like any prospect, he will need to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. In addition, some analysts question whether his playstyle can transition smoothly to a more pass-heavy NFL system, especially when compared to quarterbacks like Ward and Sanders who are more dynamic in the pocket.

The 2025 QB Class

The 2025 quarterback class is brimming with talent, but as it stands, each of these quarterbacks presents unique skills and challenges. Cam Ward’s athleticism and playmaking ability set him apart as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the draft. Shedeur Sanders offers a more traditional and accurate pocket-passing style, combined with the leadership and poise that NFL teams covet. Meanwhile, Will Howard’s all-around efficiency and intelligence make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a stable and reliable option at quarterback.

As the draft approaches, these quarterbacks will continue to be at the center of attention, and it will be fascinating to see how they perform in pro-day workouts, interviews, and other evaluations. The NFL is set to welcome a new wave of talent at quarterback, and Ward, Sanders, and Howard will all have a significant impact on the league’s future.