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- NCAA. Cam Ward could be the next Patrick Mahomes: NFL on alert as analyst makes shocking comparison
University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward is fast becoming the odds-on favorite to be selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans in next month's NFL Draft. Ward impressed talent evaluators -- including a Titans contingent -- during his recent Pro Day, in which he showed off the athleticism and arm strength that has merited comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes.
But Ward's intellect and football brain have also earned high marks from scouts, and they are another compelling reason as to why the former Miami Hurricane could easily go #1 overall on April 24. Ward's ability to read and process the defense has been consistently well-regarded -- to the point where he is even providing a scouting report of the Dallas Cowboys.
Ward's warning: Don't scheme for me like Dallas might
As confidence grows that he will be the #1 overall pick in Green Bay next month, Ward sat down with CBS Sports during his Pro Day showing and discussed what, if anything, makes him nervous about entering the NFL. His answer to that question shows the kind of character and personality the Titans would be getting if they choose Ward as their next franchise signal-caller.
"I think some teams in the NFL did a lot of two-high stuff," Ward said. "Like Dallas, running a lot of Tampa, a lot of Cover-2. They leave way too much space on the sideline down the seams. I just think the arm strength and the confidence that I bring in, along with me getting my receivers better, I just think I'm gonna put the ball where I want."
Ward has a point: the Cowboys' defense was among the NFL's worst last season under coordinator Mike Zimmer, the unit battling injuries and inconsistency as it finished 31st out of 32 teams in points allowed. Dallas' 7-10 record in 2024 can be attributed in large part to the defense's dramatic tumble down the rankings, which quarterbacks like Ward were more than ready to exploit.
Ward's candor though could be used as bulletin board material by the Cowboys, even though Dallas and Tennessee won't play one another in 2025. If nothing else, it will show owner Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer how far they have to go to earn back the league's respect.