How high could QB Cam Ward go after declaring for 2024 NFL Draft?

The strength of Ward’s game is his mobility and creativity when he’s flushed from the pocket. He has an electric arm and can make all of the NFL throws, and he’s shown good decision making when throwing on the run or trying to create something from nothing.

Ward’s completion percentage (64.4 to 66.6), passing yards per game (248.5 to 311.3), yards per attempt (6.5 to 7.7) and touchdowns (23 to 25) all improved this season. He also cut down on his interceptions (nine to seven) and sacks taken (46 to 38).

The 21-year-old QB began the year as a likely Day 3 pick, but some draft experts have argued after his breakout 2023 season that he could go anywhere between Rounds 2 and 5.

Ward had a torrid start to the season — 1,393 yards passing, 13 touchdowns, no interceptions plus 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground through his first four games —  and his draft stock has only rose from there.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler stated that scouts were impressed with Ward’s improvement from 2022 to 2023, and that he showcased many traits NFL scouts are looking for.

“With his short-area elusiveness, Ward does a great job creating second-chance throws,” Brugler wrote. “And though that is still a strength to his game, he is doing a better job trusting his reads and ripping on-time throws from the pocket. It is pretty clear Ward made it a point to be more repeatable with his base and delivery, which has translated into improved accuracy. Coming into the year, the feedback from NFL scouts was that Ward would land in the late rounds or go undrafted. But his improved play is changing that — multiple scouts mentioned Ward as a September ‘riser.’”