NFL teams are finalizing their preparations for the 2025 NFL Draft at the end of April. As draft discussions intensify, some analysts have begun offering controversial opinions about top prospects.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is widely projected as the top overall pick, likely heading to the Tennessee Titans as their quarterback of the future. While Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has also received consideration as the draft’s top quarterback, former NFL All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy has introduced a different perspective that has sparked significant backlash online.
McCoy, now a Fox Sports analyst, expressed doubts about Ward’s NFL potential based on his zero-star ranking as a high school recruit.
“I’m not sold on Cam Ward,” McCoy said. “He was a zero-star recruit out of high school. Those guys don’t usually pan out in the NFL.”
This assessment comes despite Ward’s record-breaking NCAA performance and Heisman Trophy finalist status with the Hurricanes last season.
McCoy’s take contradicts the successful NFL careers of numerous former unranked or junior college players.
Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, and Cooper Kupp all followed similar paths before achieving NFL stardom.
Ward began his collegiate career at Incarnate Word near his hometown, throwing 71 touchdowns across two seasons. He then transferred to Washington State for two years before finishing at Miami in 2024.
While all prospects face uncertainty at the professional level, using high school recruiting rankings as a primary predictor of NFL success has limited historical support.
Ward’s Collegiate Career Statistics:
- Incarnate Word (2 seasons): 71 touchdowns
- Washington State (2 seasons): Continued development
- Miami (2024): Heisman Trophy finalist, broke multiple NCAA records
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