The Great Debate NFL Draft 2025: Is Cam Ward or Shadeur Sanders Better?

The best answer is a general one, “it depends”. There are several things to take into account. Which exact tools do each Quarterback possess? Who’s a better scheme fit for each team looking for a Quarterback? What traits and skills do the general manager’s prefer?

Sanders potentially has better upside. Not only is he more mobile than Ward but his release is a bit faster which is better for keeping defenses off balance and limiting the reaction times of top tier defensive players. This is critical because NFL Quarterbacks do not typically have as much time as college quarterbacks to make the right reads and deliver “strikes” to receivers and tight ends. NFL Quarterbacks typically have four or fewer seconds to make the right read and pass the football . Everything has to be done in four or fewer seconds most of the time. Sometimes, the risk is a faster throw football can be less accurate if the throw velocity comes at the sacrifice of accuracy.

However, some teams were supposedly not happy with Sanders’ NFL combine interview. He supposedly came across as arrogant. If so, sometimes, the NFL experience can help foster a new attitude after a few years in the league. Sanders is a playmaker and needs a chance to prove it at the next level. Sanders really didn’t come across as arrogant though. He is very confident in his mentality and the tools he has. He is not worried about his critics. Although Sanders said he’s not worried about the critics and there’s were questions raised about his dad’s ability to play at the NFL level, he never once said anything disrespectful. He also mentioned he worked out with Tom Brady and that’s exactly what teams want to hear.

Ward has more precision with his passes and can fit passes into right windows which will serve him well at the next level. His football IQ is undeniable. The last great Miami Quarterback Ken Dorsey struggled to maintain his high level playmaking ability in the NFL but Ward has a chance to be productive at the next level. The game film proves it.

Sanders threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns last year for the Colorado Buffaloes. He also threw ten interceptions. Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns. He threw seven interceptions and had a Quarterback rating of 88.7.

However, Sanders has all the football knowledge of his father NFL legendary Cornerback Deion Sanders. His brother Shilo Sanders probably taught him a lot too. Great football is in the family. Being a household name may not be everything but it may help Sanders’ overall NFL draft value.

Either Quarterback will need a good, if not elite offensive line to get the most out of their skills. It’s hard to tell which Quarterback has greater overall NFL draft value and which one has the greater overall chance to succeed. If both Quarterbacks have Super Bowl winning potential, then success will be partially measured by Super Bowl wins. Which Quarterback will ultimately lead their teams to multiple playoff berths. Another factor to consider is the team that starts each player. Will these teams be part of rebuilds which is usually the case when drafting Quarterbacks in the first round? Both Quarterbacks will need a productive group of receivers, an old school powerhouse running game or at least a an elusive yet fast running game and offensive lines capable of making sure both Quarterbacks have enough time in the pocket.

Ward and Sanders possess mobility but Sanders mobility is several times better than Wards. If Sanders is similar to Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson but with a better arm, he could even succeed in any brutal division. How will General Managers evaluate both Quarterbacks? Overall, it’s too close to tell which Quarterback will go first.

Prediction:

1. Tennessee Titans -Cameron Ward- Quarterback- University of Miami- The Titans drafted both Malik Willis and Will Levis. Neither Quarterback is making the splash plays they were expected to. The Titans may just start over at Quarterback.

2. Cleveland Browns – Shadeur Sanders, Quarterback- University of Colorado- This move is the most logical for the Browns with the number two overall pick. Not only does Sanders make Cleveland his number one choice, the Browns already lost starting Quarterback DeShaun Watson for the whole 2025 season. Jameis Winston is likely leaving for free agency. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is not ready to lead the offense. Although Cleveland could pass on Sanders in favor of trading down, selecting Left Tackle Kelvin Banks out of Texas, then selecting Ole Miss Quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Browns will likely take Sanders with the second overall pick.