It looks like Cam Ward may have the early edge over Shedeur Sanders in the bid to be the first quarterback off the board in April’s NFL draft.

Matt Miller of ESPN released his updated top 50 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday and listed Ward as the No. 1 quarterback and No. 12 overall prospect. He reported that multiple scouts view Ward as the top quarterback available and that his attributes and experience put him ahead of the pack:

Ward has taken an elite jump since transferring from Washington State. He was the national leader in touchdown passes (39), tied for first on throws of 20-plus yards (74) and finished second in passing yards (4,313). His ability to move around the pocket, dial up fastballs and threaten as a runner have combined to make him the biggest QB riser this season. Multiple scouts told me Ward is QB1 in the class. He has assumed the top spot in my quarterback rankings thanks to his big-play ability, experience (39 starts) and top-end arm talent.

Sanders is ranked as the second quarterback and the 22nd overall prospect by Miller. The only other quarterbacks to rank in the top 50 were Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers, who came in at 48 and 49, respectively.

Ward was a Heisman finalist after a sensational season at Miami in 2024. He threw for 4,313 yards with 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the Hurricanes to a 10-3 overall record.

Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department has ranked Ward as the No. 1 quarterback and the 10th overall prospect in the class while comparing him to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.

The 2025 NFL draft is scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.