Cam Ward's college career was punctuated by another accolade Wednesday when he was announced as the winner of the Manning Award as the nation's top quarterback. And the former Miami star, who quite possibly will be the No.

It’s a pretty rapid rise for the QB, who entered the 2024 season as a potential Day 3 selection in the 2025 draft. As Pauline notes, the player’s turnaround isn’t completely dissimilar to that of Jayden Daniels, who evolved from a fringe prospect into the eventual No. 2 pick.

However, another NFL Network draft analyst, Bucky Brooks, has Sanders at the top of his 2025 NFL mock draft to the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick, Carter at No. 2 to the Cleveland Browns and Ward slotted third to the New York Giants.