As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami) are receiving increased attention for their dynamic playing styles.
Known for their ability to make plays under pressure, both Sanders and Ward have built reputations as creative passers. However, as they transition to the NFL, they must adjust one key aspect of their game-how long they hold onto the ball.
“When a quarterback comes into the league, he simply thinks, ‘I am faster, more athletic or elusive than the people chasing me,'” said Craig Johnson, a long-time NFL assistant and quarterbacks coach for over two decades.
“But you have to learn quickly [that being] late anywhere in the NFL is where the trouble starts. You want creators with off-schedule ability, but the clock runs out for everybody.”
The clock that could impact their NFL futures
In college, Sanders and Ward thrived on making spectacular plays, often holding the ball longer than average. Last season, Sanders’ average time to throw was 2.96 seconds, while Ward’s was 2.91 seconds, both significantly higher than the national average of 2.76 seconds.
While this extra time allowed them to showcase their playmaking skills, it’s a potential weakness at the professional level.
NFL experts, including long-time quarterbacks coach Craig Johnson, emphasize that holding onto the ball too long can lead to sacks and disrupted plays. The speed and athleticism that worked in college can be less effective against the quicker, more powerful defenses in the NFL. Sanders and Ward will need to learn to make quicker decisions to succeed in the league.
Both quarterbacks are aware of their need to improve this area of their game. Sanders has admitted that he’s been focused on reducing mistakes and speeding up his release.
“I’m realistic, I know what I need to improve on,” Sanders said. “Put on the tape, those mistakes [are] cut down yearly. So I’m hyper aware of everything I need to do to be successful.”
Ward, often praised for his fiery competitiveness and ability to make plays, has also expressed a willingness to adjust to the NFL’s faster pace.
“At the end of the day, if you have time in the pocket, why would [I] not hold the ball and let [my] receivers get open?” Ward said. “If you ever make plays out of structure, of course you’re going to hold the ball and try to make a play and get your receivers open.”
As they prepare for the draft, Sanders and Ward are under the microscope. Their ability to adjust to the NFL’s demands will likely determine whether they can transform from college stars to successful franchise quarterbacks.
Read the full article here
