Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders
It’s been a rough season for the Las Vegas Raiders, as the team sits at 2-8 with the NFL’s longest active losing streak heading into Week 12. Under first-year head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders have struggled to find consistent play at the quarterback position, with Gardner Minshew leading the charge for much of the year. But despite their struggles, there have been bright spots, and one of the most promising is rookie tight end Brock Bowers.
The 2024 first-round draft pick has quickly emerged as a standout for the Raiders, leading the league in both receptions and receiving yards among tight ends. His skills and potential are undeniable, but the one thing holding him back from truly reaching his peak is the lack of a dynamic quarterback throwing him the ball.
Enter Cam Ward, the Miami Hurricanes’ star quarterback, who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward’s talent and upside have drawn comparisons to some of the top quarterbacks in the league, and some analysts believe he could be the perfect answer for the Raiders’ quarterback woes.
Ward’s Star Turn at Miami
After transferring from Washington State to Miami in 2024, Ward has taken his game to new heights. The senior quarterback has led the Hurricanes to a 10-1 record, with their only loss coming at the hands of a tough ACC opponent. Ward has thrown for 3,774 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions through 11 games. His ability to deliver a ball to all three levels of the field with precision has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. On top of his aerial prowess, Ward has also added 177 rushing yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability and mobility.
Ward has drawn praise for his smooth throwing motion and pinpoint accuracy. However, as pointed out by Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team, he does have a tendency to force throws and make questionable decisions under pressure. Despite that, his potential is undeniable, and the Raiders could be the perfect team to take a risk on the talented but raw quarterback.
The Fit for the Raiders
With a 2-8 record and struggling to find any sustained success this season, the Raiders are primed for a top-tier pick in the 2025 draft. Valentino’s prediction has the Raiders selecting Ward with the No. 4 overall pick, hoping to land the quarterback of the future to pair with Bowers and build a formidable offense.
Ward’s raw talent and ability to stretch the field vertically could provide a significant boost to the Raiders’ offense. With Bowers already emerging as a dominant force, pairing him with a high-upside quarterback like Ward could give the team a lethal duo for years to come. Though Ward may require some time to fully develop, the Raiders could afford to be patient with him, especially considering the lack of immediate expectations and a solid supporting cast.
In what has been a season of growing pains for the Raiders, a future with Cam Ward under center could signal a new chapter of promise for the team. With a top draft pick in hand and Ward’s potential in tow, the Raiders could be on their way to building a new offensive powerhouse in the AFC.
