Dane Brugler shared his opinions and research on where Cam Ward would have landed in the 2024 NFL draft had he entered the draft last season.
Brugler Has Ward Paired With J.J. McCarthy at QB No. 4
McCarthy was drafted 10th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Michael Penix Jr.
Williams went No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears. The Bears struggled, going 4-12, but Williams, according to the Bears website, “set records for pass attempts (562), completions (351), completion percentage (62.5), touchdown passes (20), passer rating (87.8) and rushing yards by a quarterback (489).”
Daniels, who went No. 2 to the Washington Commanders, had a standout rookie season. The Commanders made the NFC championship, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniels was also the NFL Rookie of the Year, accumulating 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
Penix Jr. went eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons despite the team signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal.
Penix Jr. was praised by Falcons players such as Justin Simmons, who said, “Whatever it is, he has it.” He started Atlanta’s final three games.
Ward Doesn’t Crack the 2024 Draft Top Three
Brugler said, “I think the top three guys in my opinion are untouchable. Those guys went one, two, three, and I think any of those three would be the number one overall pick in this draft, just based off of not including anything they did this year, just based off of who they were as prospects.”
Ward himself could potentially go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, as shared by many NFL mock drafts and NFL commentators, including Joel Klatt, who said, “Ward is a bit of a gunslinger, which I like by the way,” Klatt said. “But he’ll take some chances out there. He’s got a great arm. He will drift away a little bit. He will hold the ball a little bit too long at times. But, man, he is the reason Miami was able to do what they were able to do.”
KEEP READING: 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist who led college football in passing touchdowns with 39 and was second in passing yards per game with 332.
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