Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward has cemented himself as a top prospect and is widely expected to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky is among those backing Ward for the top pick and recently explained why he believes Ward should be the first player off the board.
Dan Orlovsky Explains Why Cam Ward Should Go No. 1 Overall in the 2025 NFL Draft
Ward had a phenomenal season for Miami, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He finished with 4,313 passing yards, 39 passing touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He added 204 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown on the ground.
However, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders posted similar numbers, making the debate at quarterback even tighter. But, according to Orlovsky, what separates Ward is his controlled aggression — a trait he highlighted after breaking down Ward’s film on X.
“One play that I love that consistently shows up on his tape—a trait—is the controlled aggression of his mindset and decision-making. Getting through progressions is key.”
Orlovsky analyzed several of Ward’s plays, including one where Miami ran a tight-end screen. In the play, Ward forced a throw downfield despite the defender cutting off the route, resulting in an interception.
“Right, you go to throw the screen, and that defender drops out. The play is dead. Don’t try and do too much,” Orlovsky warned.
While acknowledging Ward isn’t flawless, Orlovsky still believes he should go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans. He suggested Tennessee’s coaching staff help him walk the fine line between magic and recklessness.
“Cam Ward should be the #1 pick, doesn’t mean he is flawless. So the Titans, I believe, will and should take Cam Ward at No. 1 — quarterback out of Miami. Love the talent. Don’t try and do too much. That’s really the flaw of his game, and it doesn’t happen often.
“This isn’t three, four, or five times a game, but there are moments when he’ll make you hold your breath and be like, ‘Are you really going to try that play?’ You want him to walk that line. Because great players do.”
Cam Ward should be #1 pick
That doesn’t mean he is flawless. @Titans pic.twitter.com/lyk01VsBMc
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 17, 2025
The Titans need a quarterback, especially after only adding Brandon Allen in free agency. With Will Levis as their only other starting option, all signs point to Ward being Tennessee’s No. 1 pick.
Is Ward No. 1 Overall in PFSN’s Mock Draft?
In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Anthony Pasciolla, Ward is projected to go No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns, while Tennessee selects Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the top pick.
Pasciolla explained the Titans’ reasoning:
“It feels as though the closer the draft gets, the less people project the Tennessee Titans to go with a quarterback. This is largely because the top QB prospects don’t possess the same ceiling as others in recent classes. Tennessee could opt for one more season with Will Levis at the helm or chase a veteran like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson.”
Pasciolla described Carter as a dominant edge rusher, noting:
“A unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, Carter took the country by storm in his first year as a true pass rusher. He has good overall size but just average length for an edge defender. He is an outstanding athlete with a rare blend of speed, burst, and agility, making him a game-wrecker as a pass rusher.”
For Ward, Pasciolla wrote:
“After the Cleveland Browns secured defensive end Myles Garrett to a record-breaking contract extension, it’s clear they aren’t entering a full rebuild. Instead, the Browns could draft Cam Ward and use Deshaun Watson as a bridge QB while the rest of the roster takes shape.
“Ward is by no means a guaranteed franchise quarterback, but he has all the physical tools to develop into one. He is explosive and shifty in the pocket, and his deep ball accuracy gives him big-play potential.”