Rich Eisen’s NFL Combine Thoughts: Cam Ward and the Importance of Quarterbacks Throwing at the Combine
The NFL Combine, held annually, is a pivotal event in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. It’s a gathering of the country’s top college prospects who are looking to impress team scouts and executives in various aspects of the game. One of the most anticipated events at the Combine is the quarterback throwing session, where quarterbacks demonstrate their arm strength, accuracy, and athleticism in front of NFL teams.
This year, Rich Eisen, a well-known NFL commentator and host of NFL Network’s coverage of the Combine, expressed his excitement over the possibility of seeing Washington State quarterback Cam Ward throw at the event. Eisen’s commentary and deep knowledge of the draft process have made him one of the most respected figures in NFL media. But this year, his excitement has been tempered by the unfortunate news that Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback from Colorado, will not be participating in the Combine’s throwing session. This news, Eisen confessed, was a significant disappointment.
The Combine’s throwing sessions have long been one of the major storylines for quarterbacks entering the draft. Fans and analysts alike look for specific traits that might indicate which quarterbacks have the potential to succeed at the next level. Accuracy, velocity, decision-making, and the ability to throw in tight windows are all traits that scouts are looking for. The NFL Combine offers one of the rare opportunities to observe these traits in action under controlled conditions.
However, when a high-profile quarterback like Sanders decides not to throw, it raises several questions. Does this decision signal a lack of confidence in his abilities? Or is it a strategic move to avoid overexposure before the draft? Regardless, Eisen’s disappointment reflects how important these quarterback performances are, not only for the players involved but for the media, the fans, and even the teams who will eventually draft them.
Cam Ward’s Potential at the Combine
Rich Eisen’s admiration for Cam Ward is not simply based on his physical tools but on the potential he has to make an impact in the NFL. Ward, a dual-threat quarterback who had an impressive career at Washington State, has caught the attention of NFL scouts for his strong arm, mobility, and ability to make plays under pressure. His performance at the Combine could be a defining moment in his draft journey.
Ward’s talent has already been well-documented. He was a highly regarded recruit before transferring to Washington State, where he developed into one of the Pac-12’s top quarterbacks. What makes Ward especially intriguing to NFL teams is his versatility. Unlike traditional pocket passers, Ward can make plays on the move. His ability to throw on the run, combined with his ability to escape pressure and pick up yardage with his legs, could make him a coveted prospect for teams seeking a modern, mobile quarterback.
Eisen’s desire to see Ward throw at the Combine is rooted in the idea that Ward has the potential to rise significantly in the draft rankings if he can demonstrate his skills in front of scouts and analysts. A strong performance at the Combine could solidify Ward’s position as one of the top quarterbacks available, and perhaps even elevate him above other quarterbacks who might have better tape but lack Ward’s mobility or playmaking ability.
The Combine as a Stage for Quarterbacks
Eisen’s comment about Cam Ward’s potential in the Combine highlights a broader truth about the event: the Combine serves as an equalizer. Whether you’re a quarterback from a small school or a powerhouse program, the Combine provides an opportunity to showcase your skills in front of everyone. It’s a level playing field where no past accolades can make up for a poor performance, and no underwhelming college career can prevent a strong showing from propelling a player up the draft boards.
For quarterbacks, the throwing session is a moment to shine. While Ward’s college tape might already show his impressive arm strength and ability to make accurate throws on the run, the Combine provides the perfect stage to demonstrate those abilities in front of the very people who will be making decisions about his future. NFL teams place great value on how a quarterback performs in these high-pressure situations.
Quarterbacks throwing at the Combine also help set the tone for the entire draft process. The Combine gives scouts and GMs an early opportunity to evaluate how a quarterback handles the pressure of throwing under the watchful eyes of so many people. If a quarterback like Ward can perform with poise in that environment, it can make a lasting impression on NFL teams.
Shedeur Sanders and the Decision Not to Throw
The news that Shedeur Sanders would not be throwing at the NFL Combine is a significant moment in the 2025 NFL Draft buildup. Sanders, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, had one of the most remarkable college football seasons of the past few years, leading Colorado to a strong finish in the Pac-12 and winning over fans with his high-level play at quarterback. Many believed Sanders would participate in the Combine throwing drills, given his immense potential and reputation.
However, Sanders’ decision not to throw has raised eyebrows. On one hand, some critics argue that by opting out, Sanders is protecting himself from potential criticism and injury. In the high-pressure world of the NFL Combine, where the smallest misstep can send a player’s draft stock plummeting, skipping the throwing drills could be a strategic decision to avoid putting his arm under intense scrutiny. After all, Sanders has already shown what he can do on the field during his college career, so perhaps he feels that there’s no need to further expose himself to unnecessary risk.
Others, however, see Sanders’ decision as a sign that he may not be as confident in his arm as previously thought. The Combine is an opportunity for all prospects to showcase their skills, and when a high-profile player like Sanders opts not to take part in the throwing drills, it can leave questions about his readiness for the next level.
Eisen, as a commentator, expressed his disappointment at this development because Sanders’ decision adds an air of mystery and uncertainty to what was supposed to be a clear-cut showcase for the talented quarterback. For Eisen and many others, it’s a missed opportunity to see Sanders at his best in one of the most visible settings before the draft.
Why Quarterbacks Throw at the Combine
For players like Ward, throwing at the Combine is more than just an opportunity to impress scouts. It’s a statement that they’re ready to take on the NFL, that they have the confidence in their abilities, and that they’re prepared for the pressure of being the face of an NFL franchise. NFL teams are looking for quarterbacks who can handle the spotlight, who can throw accurately and decisively under pressure, and who can show leadership qualities both on and off the field.
The Combine offers a rare opportunity to test these qualities in an environment where no one can hide from the spotlight. A quarterback who performs well in the throwing session can create positive momentum, increasing their chances of being selected higher in the draft.
For many players, the Combine is a high-stakes game. It’s not just about the drills; it’s about controlling your nerves and performing when all eyes are on you. A poor performance could be the difference between being drafted in the first round or falling into the second or third rounds. Ward, for instance, could drastically boost his stock with a stellar performance, making him one of the more coveted quarterbacks in this draft class. For Eisen, seeing Ward throw is not just about watching the mechanics—it’s about witnessing the excitement and drama that come with a young player taking his first steps into the NFL.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With top quarterbacks like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and others vying for attention, the Combine will undoubtedly be a crucial event. For quarterbacks, the throwing drills can make or break their draft stock, and for fans and analysts like Rich Eisen, it’s a spectacle they eagerly anticipate.
Whether or not Sanders throws at the Combine, all eyes will be on quarterbacks like Ward to see if they can seize the opportunity and make their case for why they should be the next great signal-caller in the NFL. For Eisen, the excitement of the Combine lies not only in the physical tests but in the stories that unfold as these young athletes take center stage.
In the end, the Combine is not just about the results of the tests—it’s about the narratives that develop around each player and the journey that leads to draft day. For Cam Ward, this could be the moment where his dream of playing in the NFL moves one step closer to reality. As Rich Eisen would agree, watching these young quarterbacks take the field and prove themselves is one of the most compelling aspects of the NFL Draft process.
With Ward potentially taking center stage at the Combine, the excitement for the 2025 NFL Draft continues to build, and fans are in for a thrilling journey to find out which quarterback will ultimately rise to the occasion and claim their spot in the NFL.
