Cam Ward 2025 NFL Draft stock: Miami QB's potential landing spot explored after Pop-Tarts Bowl loss

Cam Ward’s college career ended Saturday after the Miami Hurricanes' 42-41 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward played only for a half, but he showcased his skills with a 12-for-19, 190-yard, three-touchdown game.

Ward sat out after the half as the Hurricanes saw their 31-28 lead evaporate with Emory Williams under center. Miami coach Mario Cristobal did not specify the reason after the game. The quarterback did not talk to the press after the game.

He finished college with 18,187 yards and a Division I record 158 touchdowns. He also finished fourth in the Heisman voting this year. Ward spent two years at Incarnate Word and two more at Washington State before transferring to Miami for the 2024 season.

While fans might not like his decision to sit for the final two-quarters of the bowl game, it is unlikely to affect his draft stock. Cam Ward should still be one of the top two quarterbacks selected in the draft, possibly in the top five.

Quarterbacks are valued differently, so even though other top players could carry a higher grade, the top quarterbacks of the class are still expected to get drafted high.

Cam Ward’s potential landing spots in the NFL draft

Unlike the 2024 draft, there are only a couple of quarterbacks with a first-round grade, so Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders should have plenty of suitors at the top of the draft. Here are some possible landing spots for the Miami quarterback.

New York Giants

Entering Week 17 of the NFL season, the New York Giants hold the first overall pick and quarterback is among their biggest needs. If they end up with the first pick in April, they are expected to choose between Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders are also likely to look for an instant solution under center. The Raiders entered the week picking at No. 6. With Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, an upgrade at quarterback is expected.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans slotted at No. 4 before this week and are a team to watch. Will Levis has struggled in his two years with the team and they could consider a change. If they land high enough, they could pick Ward.

Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints could also be landing spots for Cam Ward. However, it’s not certain that they will look for a quarterback in the first round as they also have other needs.

Draft position could change considerably as the bottom nine teams have between two and four wins. This also means there could be some trades at the top.