Cam Ward Went From Zero-Star Recruit To The Top Quarterback In The 2025 NFL Draft. This Extensive Scouting Report Explains How. Cam Ward began as a lowly recruit out of Texas, but the uber-talented signal-caller turned himself into the best quarterback in college football.

In his first mock of the 2025 NFL Draft, Eric Edholm has the top two quarterbacks hitting the same market. Plus, one team spends a top-five pick on a tight end. Check out the full first-round projection,

In the latest mock from our Christian D’Andrea — a top-five mini-mock — he had Ward going No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans. But in Bucky Brooks’ first NFL.com mock of the season, he had Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders going as the first overall pick to the Titans, with Ward going No. 3 to the New York Giants, who are also desperate for a quarterback.

It’s a pretty rapid rise for the QB, who entered the 2024 season as a potential Day 3 selection in the 2025 draft. As Pauline notes, the player’s turnaround isn’t completely dissimilar to that of Jayden Daniels, who evolved from a fringe prospect into the eventual No. 2 pick.