Still, Ward isn’t downplaying his moment at the combine, saying he’s “prayed for this day” to come for a long time. His journey from a zero-star recruit to a possible top-five pick is one of the best stories of the 2025 NFL Draft. The first-team All-America choice and Heisman Trophy Award finalist finished his college career with 158 passing TDs and only 37 INTs, along with 20 rushing TDs.

If there’s a big knock against him in scouting circles, it’s that Ward will hang onto the ball too long and get himself in trouble. But Ward pushed back against that notion when asked about it, suggesting that a quarterback needs to be willing to be patient — and tough — when the pressure closes in.

“That’s something someone said who really doesn’t know football that much,” he told reporters. “End of the day, you got time in the pocket, why would you not hold onto the ball to let your receivers get open? If you’re able to make plays out of structure, you’re going to hold onto the ball to try to make a play and get your receivers open.”

Ward was asked about fitting in with several teams, including the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. He impressively tailored his answers to the respective teams and their personnel and play style.

Asked what he would bring to the Titans, owners of the No. 1 overall pick and in need of quarterback competition, Ward described himself as a “plug and play” prospect.

Ward showed a high level of self-belief in speaking to the media, but he also made clear that he’s not chasing any extra attention.

“I’m not worried about no spotlight,” Ward said. “One time in my life I wasn’t in the spotlight. It’s crazy to see how everything can change. I’m not worried about no spotlight. …

“I just put my head down and go to work every day.”