NFL Draft Stock: Cam Ward (2024)
Date: December 23, 2024
Overview of Cam Ward
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects is Cam Ward, the talented signal-caller from Washington State. His performance throughout the 2023 season and into the current campaign has garnered attention across the football world. Ward, who transferred to Washington State after beginning his collegiate career at Incarnate Word, has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football.
Ward’s rise has been marked by his blend of raw talent, high-level arm strength, athleticism, and his ability to perform in clutch moments. However, his journey has been anything but conventional. After dominating at the FCS level, he made the jump to Power Five football and has faced the challenges that come with the transition. As we examine Ward’s NFL Draft stock, it’s crucial to consider both the positive strides he has made and the areas that remain points of concern for scouts and teams.
Strengths
1. Arm Talent
One of the most apparent aspects of Cam Ward’s game is his arm strength. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 pounds, Ward boasts a live arm capable of making every throw required at the NFL level. His deep ball is particularly impressive, as he has shown the ability to throw with velocity, precision, and touch. Ward can hit throws outside the numbers and deep downfield, which is a critical trait in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks need to push the ball vertically to stretch defenses.
His ability to throw with velocity on short and intermediate routes also stands out. Whether threading the needle in tight windows or fitting passes into tight spaces between defenders, Ward has a quick release and the arm strength to make any throw on the field. This sets him apart from many quarterbacks who may struggle with accuracy or velocity on certain routes.
2. Mobility and Athleticism
In addition to his strong arm, Ward’s athleticism is another notable strength. He is a plus athlete for the quarterback position, exhibiting excellent mobility both inside and outside the pocket. Ward can escape pressure, evade tacklers, and make plays with his legs when necessary. His mobility allows him to extend plays, buying time for receivers to get open, or to scramble for first downs.
While Ward is not a run-first quarterback, he’s shown an ability to pick up chunk yardage when defenses collapse on him. His athleticism makes him a dual-threat weapon that is increasingly important at the NFL level, as quarterbacks who can create on the move are highly valued.
3. Clutch Playmaking
Ward has demonstrated the ability to perform in high-pressure situations, making plays when his team needs him most. His poise in critical moments has been one of his trademarks. Whether leading a comeback or converting a game-winning drive, Ward has shown the ability to stay calm and execute under duress. His leadership and composure in the face of adversity are qualities that scouts look for in quarterbacks expected to play in the high-stakes environment of the NFL.
Weaknesses
1. Consistency in Accuracy
While Ward has displayed impressive arm strength and mobility, consistency in his accuracy remains a concern. In several games, he has struggled with his accuracy, particularly when throwing under pressure or in critical moments. His ball placement can be erratic, and while his arm strength allows him to make difficult throws, it can sometimes lead to inaccuracy on shorter or intermediate routes.
Ward’s mechanics and footwork have been questioned at times. When he’s not properly set in his lower body, he can miss on throws, especially in rhythm-based passing situations. This inconsistency in his ball placement, especially on shorter throws, is a big question mark as he prepares for the NFL.
2. Decision-Making and Turnovers
Another area that has raised concerns is Ward’s decision-making. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has also displayed a tendency to force passes into tight coverage. His turnover ratio has been a point of contention, with some scouts noting that his decisions under pressure can sometimes lead to costly mistakes. Although his playmaking ability is a strength, occasionally trying to make throws that aren’t there has resulted in interceptions or errant passes.
NFL teams will want to see improved decision-making and better judgment in critical situations. If Ward can demonstrate that he can limit turnovers and make smarter decisions, his stock will rise considerably.
3. Mechanics Under Pressure
Ward’s mechanics often falter when he’s under pressure. His footwork can get sloppy, and his release can become more inconsistent as defenders close in on him. Though he is capable of making off-platform throws, when forced to throw under duress, he sometimes sacrifices accuracy and velocity. Improving his mechanics and making more consistent throws when the pocket is collapsing will be crucial in his development as an NFL quarterback.
2023-2024 Season: Performance and Development
Through the 2023 season, Ward has shown tangible improvement, especially in his decision-making and ability to play within the system. After his first year at Washington State, where he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, Ward’s consistency has grown. In 2023, Ward threw for over 3,500 yards, with 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He has shown greater poise in the pocket and has had moments of brilliance against some of the top defenses in the Pac-12.
One area where Ward has improved is his pre-snap reads. He’s shown a better understanding of defenses, reading coverage, and making quicker decisions. However, there are still areas for growth. His decision-making under pressure and his ability to work through progressions more efficiently remain points of emphasis for NFL teams. Despite this, his improvements in 2023 suggest that he has the tools to refine these aspects of his game with the right coaching.
Comparison to Other Draft Quarterbacks
Ward’s 2024 NFL Draft stock can be compared to other top quarterback prospects. While his physical tools—arm strength, mobility, and athleticism—are similar to some of the top quarterbacks in this class, his consistency issues may hold him back when compared to more polished quarterbacks like Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina).
In terms of raw potential, Ward is often compared to quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson from the 2023 NFL Draft class, who was similarly raw but possessed a tremendous physical skill set. Ward’s ability to create plays outside the pocket and make difficult throws is in the same realm as Richardson’s, but Ward will need to prove he can mitigate his mistakes and improve his overall efficiency.
NFL Fit and Projection
Ward’s blend of physical traits and ability to make plays in the clutch make him an enticing prospect for teams that prioritize mobility and arm strength. Teams that run a more traditional West Coast offense, where quick decision-making and accuracy are critical, may find Ward’s inconsistencies troubling. However, teams that run more creative offensive schemes, where improvisation and extended plays are valued, could see Ward as a potential long-term starter.
In terms of projection, Ward is likely to be drafted in the mid-to-late first round or early second round. His physical traits make him a tantalizing option, but his consistency and decision-making issues could push him down boards. A team with a stable quarterback situation—perhaps a team that can develop him behind a veteran starter—would be an ideal landing spot.
