Why Cam Ward Is Skipping Throwing at the NFL Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most anticipated events in the pre-draft process, providing teams with an up-close evaluation of prospects. However, in recent years, many of the top-rated quarterbacks have opted to skip certain drills—especially the throwing sessions. In 2024, Miami’s Cam Ward joined Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders in choosing not to throw at the combine.

What Is the NFL Scouting Combine?

The NFL Scouting Combine is an annual event in which college football’s top prospects showcase their skills in front of coaches, scouts, and team executives. The combine includes measurements, medical evaluations, interviews, and physical tests such as the:

• 40-yard dash – Speed test for all positions.
• Bench press – Strength test for linemen and skill players.
• Vertical jump – Measures explosiveness.
• Three-cone drill – Tests agility.
• Position-specific drills – Includes passing for quarterbacks.

Throwing drills are often the focus for quarterbacks, but in recent years, more top prospects have chosen to sit them out.

Why Cam Ward Opted Out of Throwing

Cam Ward, a standout quarterback from Miami, decided to forgo the throwing portion of the NFL Scouting Combine. The decision raised eyebrows, but there are several key reasons why he, along with Shedeur Sanders and other top quarterbacks, might have chosen to wait until their Pro Days.

1. More Control Over the Environment

One of the biggest advantages of throwing at a Pro Day instead of the combine is the ability to control the environment. At Pro Days:

• Quarterbacks throw to familiar receivers instead of random prospects.
• The workout is scripted to highlight strengths.
• Players perform in comfortable settings instead of a controlled combine structure.

Since the combine pairs quarterbacks with new receivers, accuracy and timing can be affected, leading some players to prefer the controlled nature of a Pro Day.

2. Avoiding Unfavorable Comparisons

The combine creates a side-by-side comparison between quarterbacks. If Ward were to have an off day, it could hurt his draft stock when stacked against other top prospects who perform exceptionally well. By skipping, he ensures teams focus solely on his game film and Pro Day performance.

3. Reducing Injury Risks

Although throwing sessions are low-contact, physical exertion can still lead to minor injuries or fatigue. Any sign of arm fatigue, mechanical inconsistency, or even a single errant pass could raise concerns among scouts. By waiting until his Pro Day, Ward can be in peak condition for his showcase.

4. Teams Already Know His Talent

Ward has proven his skill set throughout his college career at Miami. His ability to extend plays, his strong arm, and his decision-making are well-known. Most teams evaluate quarterbacks based on game footage rather than just a single throwing session at the combine.

Is This a Growing Trend?

Ward isn’t the only top prospect skipping throwing at the combine. In recent years, several high-profile quarterbacks have chosen to do the same, including:

• Joe Burrow (2020) – Opted to throw only at his Pro Day.
• C.J. Stroud (2023) – Delayed his workouts for a more controlled setting.
• Shedeur Sanders (2024) – Also skipping this year’s throwing session.

Top QB prospects tend to have little to gain and much to lose at the combine, making their Pro Day a more appealing alternative.

How Will This Affect Cam Ward’s Draft Stock?

Skipping the throwing session at the combine is unlikely to hurt Ward’s draft position. Teams already have extensive tape on him, and his Pro Day will give them a controlled look at his arm talent.

Ultimately, quarterbacks are judged far more on their body of work in college rather than a single day’s throwing session. If Ward impresses in interviews and medical evaluations, his decision to skip throwing won’t affect his stock.

What’s Next for Ward?

• Pro Day – A chance to showcase his skills under ideal conditions.
• Private Workouts – Potential meetings with individual teams.
• Draft Preparation – Continuing to refine his mechanics and game.

With several months to go before the draft, Ward remains a first-round talent, and his Pro Day will be a critical opportunity to solidify his draft stock.

Final Thoughts

The decision for quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders to skip throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine isn’t surprising. As the league shifts to an emphasis on controlled Pro Day workouts and game film evaluations, the combine’s throwing drills are becoming less essential for top prospects.

While some fans may be disappointed not to see Ward showcase his arm in Indianapolis, his draft stock remains strong. His upcoming Pro Day will provide him the perfect stage to demonstrate why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s draft.

Stay tuned for more updates on Ward’s NFL journey and how his Pro Day performance impacts his final draft position.