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Cam Ward Draws Comparison to $220 Million NFL Quarterback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Nov 12, 2024 3:08 PM ET

Miami star quarterback Cam Ward is one of the most recognizable names in the sport as he leads the Hurricanes on a hunt for a College Football Playoff spot. What will come after the season, though, is a major part of the discussion for NFL draft experts.

After spending the previous two seasons at Washington State, Ward has already put together a career year with the Hurricanes, leading Miami to a 9-1 record with the postseason in sight. Mario Cristobal's Hurricanes finished 7-6 in 2023 before landing Ward in the transfer portal.

Ward (6-foot-2, 223 pounds) leads the country in total touchdowns as a senior (35). He has amassed 3,494 passing yards (first in the nation) with 32 passing touchdowns to six interceptions. Ward has also totaled 182 yards with three touchdowns on the ground.

According to ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid, Ward has boosted his draft stock more than any player at his position this season. Ward will likely land early in the first round of the 2025 draft, but a question that remains up for debate is which NFL prototype Ward compares to at the next level.

When determining the best comparison for Ward, Reid turned to one of the highest-paid NFL players in Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.

"Similar to Love, Ward is an instinctive playmaker who is capable of throwing from multiple arm slots with good accuracy," Reid wrote. "Both players can launch the ball with a quick flick of the wrist while staying cool and collected amid chaos in the pocket."

Love, 26, took over for four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in 2023. The former Utah State signal-caller threw for 4,159 yards with 32 touchdowns to 11 interceptions as a first-year starter. Love was signed to a four-year, $220 million deal in the offseason.

According to Reid, the comparison between Ward and Love extends beyond the physical attributes and big-play ability. He also sees similarities in poor decision making at times.

"Ward's thrill for hunting big plays can be a gift and cure, as there will be head-scratching mistakes mixed in with the highlight throws," Reid wrote. "That shows up with Love, as well -- the Packers quarterback is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with 10."

There will be more opportunties for the Heisman Trophy contender to build on his draft stock. The No. 4 Hurricanes need to rebound after an upset loss to Georgia Tech last week if they want to stay in the running for the ACC Championship and playoff. Miami will face Wake Forest (4-5) next week before finishing the regular season on the road at Syracuse (6-3).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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