Which quarterbacks could the Buccaneers target in 2025 NFL Draft?

Cameron Ward, QB/Miami

Similar to Colorado's Sanders, Ward began his collegiant career at the FCS with Incarnate World, his only offer straight out of high school. During his two-year tenure as the Cardinals' QB1, Ward set Incarnate World school records in passing yardage and passing touchdowns, totaling 6,908 yards and 71 touchdowns in just 19 games, being named the Southland Offensive Player of the Year and earning second-team FCS All-American honors.

With a boost in his stock, Ward transferred to Washington State in the 2022 offseason, and was great in his first season with the Cougars. In 12 starts, Ward completed 323-485 (66.7%) pass attempts for 3,736 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, equating to a 145.4 passer rating. In addition, Ward totaled 144 yards and eight touchdowns on 120 carries.

Standing at 6'2" and 223 pounds, Ward's physical stature has made him one of the most durable QB prospects in this year's draft class. Over the past two years, Ward didn't miss a single game to an injury, and only spent some time in the medical tent in Washington State's 42-39-week 11-win against Cal, a one-off occurrence.

Even with his uncommon size, Ward is extremely atheltic and is a true dual-threat at the QB position. As shown throughout the 2023 season, Ward has been able to scramble off-tackle and extend plays with his legs when plays break down. Similarly, Ward has been able to manipulate defenses on designed QB runs, ranging from read-options to QB-power-and-draw plays.

With this said, Ward’s decision-making can be best described as questionable, as he can be prone to making questionable throws into double coverage. Even with multiple examples of good pocket awareness and maneuverability, Ward still struggles to evade pass rushers and typically get in trouble behind the line of scrimmage with his decisions.

After flirting with the 2024 NFL draft, Ward decided to return to college for one more season, but left Washington State to transfer to Miami. With junior Tyler Van Dyke and freshman Emory Williams set to split snaps in camp, the path to start will be tough for Ward, but replicating his production from last season would be key in boosting his stock as one of the draft's top quarterbacks.

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