Is it Mock Draft Season? No, it isn’t, but many outlets are putting out super early mock drafts. The folks at WalterFootball.com, who cover the NFL draft year round and have for many, many years, recently put out a new one, and they have the Dolphins taking someone from the Hurricanes in Round 1.
Round 1, Pick #13: Cam Ward, QB Miami
“There’s a chance Tua Tagovailoa retires as a result of all of his concussions. Regardless, the Dolphins can’t count on him if a concussion will knock him out for the season each time. They may pull the plug on Tagovailoa and draft a new quarterback.
Cam Ward is a dual-threat quarterback who was very productive at Washington State.”
Cam Ward NFLDraftBuzz.com Draft Profile
Cameron Anthony Ward, born May 25, 2002, in West Columbia, Texas, has taken an unconventional path to NFL draft consideration. At Columbia High School, Ward operated in a run-heavy Wing T offense, averaging only 12 pass attempts per game as a senior. His collegiate journey began at FCS Incarnate Word, where he won the 2020 Jerry Rice Award and earned Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2021. Ward then transferred to Washington State, spending two seasons with the Cougars before making a final move to Miami for the 2024 season.
At Incarnate Word, Ward’s freshman campaign saw him throw for 2,260 yards and 24 touchdowns in just six games. His sophomore year production skyrocketed to 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns. At Washington State, Ward accumulated 6,963 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and 13 rushing scores over two seasons. His 2024 season at Miami has been his most impressive yet, with 1,782 passing yards and 18 touchdowns through five games, leading the Hurricanes to an undefeated start and thrusting himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Ward’s rapid development from an unheralded high school prospect to a potential first-round NFL draft pick has caught the attention of scouts nationwide. His performances against Power Five competition and ability to elevate multiple programs have solidified his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Ward’s meteoric rise in 2024 has dramatically altered his NFL draft projections. Once considered a wild card in the 2025 quarterback class, he’s now firmly in the conversation as a potential top-half first-round pick. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s most dynamic young quarterbacks, with scouts praising his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket.
Ward’s skill set aligns perfectly with the evolution of NFL offenses, which increasingly value mobility and off-platform throwing ability. His improved accuracy and decision-making in 2024 address previous concerns about his readiness for pro-style offenses. While he may need time to fully acclimate to NFL-level reads and progressions, his natural playmaking ability and arm talent provide a tantalizing foundation for development.
As Ward continues to lead Miami’s high-powered offense and chase both team success and individual accolades like the Heisman Trophy, his draft stock is likely to keep rising. NFL teams in need of a franchise-altering quarterback will be closely monitoring his progress. If he can maintain his current level of play and lead Miami to success in high-profile matchups, Ward could very well cement his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class, potentially challenging for the QB1 position.
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