The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be a great place for a “controversial” newcomer.
As forecasted by Pro Football Network’s Keff Ciardello, he anticipates the Buccaneers to choose Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward with the ninth overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Ciardello suggests that if Tampa Bay is picking within the top 10 of next year’s draft, they’ll probably be in the market for their next main quarterback after signing Baker Mayfield to a three-year contract this season.
“If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are picking in the top 10 next April, the chances are that they’ll be in the market for a quarterback, and there’s just as likely a possibility that Cam Ward could develop into the top signal-caller on their board,” states Ciardello.
According to Ciardello’s predictions, Ward would be the second quarterback chosen after University of Georgia’s Carson Beck. Ciardello praises Ward’s skills, including his “impressive speed” and “precise accuracy.”
“Ward is a controversial newcomer who some may consider undeserving of first-round attention, but there’s no denying that his combination of tempting extension ability and precise accuracy on tight-window throws as a result of impressive speed generation could prove attractive for an NFL franchise,” states Ciardello.
Why Cameron Ward is Regarded as a Top QB Prospect
The 21-year-old Ward had originally declared for the draft following the end of his 2023 season with the Washington State Cougars. However, he changed course and instead chose to transfer to the University of Miami just a couple weeks later.
The 6-foot-2 Ward has been considered one of the better quarterback prospects in the country. During his 2023 season with the Cougars, Ward threw for 25 touchdowns and ran for eight more against just seven interceptions for a 66.6% completion rate and 3,735 passing yards.
Ward’s 3,880 total yards ranked third in the Pac-12 conference and his 33 touchdowns ranked fourth in the conference.
Ward — who isn’t a fast or dual-threat quarterback like many top prospects these days — is actually being compared to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy by NFL Draft Buzz. Although Purdy was the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, he emerged as a top five MVP candidate during the 2023 season after leading the Niners to a Super Bowl appearance.
As NFL Draft Buzz states in their scouting report of Ward, his ball placement and his zip are among his best traits.
“Possesses an NFL arm. Gets the ball from one hash to the opposite sideline in a hurry. Has the zip to hit tight windows on short and intermediate throws. Good zip and ball placement on the quick slant. Good touch down the seam and on post-corner, flag routes to attack the defense vertically and horizontally. Sticks throws into tight windows over the middle, throwing to spot on slant or between zone defenders before the receiver is open.”
Why the Buccaneers Could Select Cam Ward in 2025
The Buccaneers signed Mayfield to a three-year deal worth up to $100 million. The deal was almost a foregone conclusion after the Mayfield posted a career-best season after leading Tampa Bay to a surprising playoff appearance and playoff win.
That being said, it's unclear if Mayfield can have another impressive season like the last one. The Buccaneers have kept most of their key players from last season, but the Atlanta Falcons will be a bigger threat with Kirk Cousins, and it's important to note that Mayfield played for three different teams in 2022.
If Mayfield struggles and the Buccaneers end up picking in the top 10 of next year's draft, they may go after Ward.
