Heisman contender Cam Ward touted to replace $25,000,000 NFL starting QB, per draft expert

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is among the top-ranked quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft class. He will likely be a high first-round pick, projected in the top five.

But, which team is likely to draft him? According to a mock draft from NFL draft expert Tony Pauline, Ward will be the third pick of the draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Raiders have struggled for most of the 2024 NFL season. They are 2-9 coming into their Black Friday clash with the Kansas City Chiefs and are on a seven-game losing streak.

For most of the season, the Raiders have been quarterbacked by Gardner Minshew, who has thrown for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Las Vegas signed a two-year, $25 million contract with him, with $15 million guaranteed.

However, Minshew has been ruled out for the season with a broken collar bone he obtained during the weekend's game with the Denver Broncos. Aiden O'Connell will likely replace him and try to save a poor season for Las Vegas.

The Raiders will likely pick someone in the draft as their new franchise quarterback, something they have not had since Derrick Carr left.

Why Cam Ward to the Las Vegas Raiders makes sense

Drafting Cam Ward makes a lot of sense for the Las Vegas Raiders, as they need a strong quarterback, and he is one. Ward has led the Hurricanes to a shot at a near-undefeated season and potentially a spot in the ACC Championship Game against the SMU Mustangs.

He has thrown for 3,774 yards and 34 touchdowns in a season where he has been in contention for the Heisman Trophy and is likely to be an official candidate.

With Ward, the Raiders will get a quarterback with skills and experience. Las Vegas does have talented receivers such as Jakobi Meyers and former Georgia Bulldog Brock Bowers. All they need is a talented quarterback who can find these targets, and this Raiders team could break free from the bottom tier of NFL teams. Ward may be that person.