Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s longtime NFL Draft analyst and one of the most recognizable voices in draft media, has never shied away from controversy or criticism. But in the aftermath of the 2025 NFL Draft, Kiper found himself embroiled in an unexpected war of words with Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal — a dispute centered around quarterback Cameron Ward and the circumstances surrounding his draft stock.
Cam Ward, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who transferred to Miami from Washington State for his final collegiate season, had been a polarizing prospect throughout the pre-draft process. Known for his playmaking ability, mobility, and arm strength, Ward had a standout season under Cristobal in 2024, leading Miami to a 10-win season and restoring some national credibility to the program. However, scouts remained divided on his pro potential, particularly concerning his decision-making under pressure and mechanics in the pocket.
Leading up to the draft, Mel Kiper ranked Ward as a Day 2 pick — someone with developmental upside but not a sure-fire starter in Year 1. He praised Ward’s athleticism and leadership but noted concerns that could cause him to slip into the late second or even third round. That prediction proved true when Ward was selected in the third round, well behind other quarterbacks like J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, and even Spencer Rattler.
Shortly after the draft concluded, Mario Cristobal made pointed comments during a Miami spring practice media session, strongly suggesting that the national media — and Kiper in particular — had “undervalued and misrepresented” Ward’s NFL potential. Cristobal implied that some analysts had personal biases or lacked the full picture, stating, “Some of these guys don’t watch the tape. They just echo each other. Cam’s one of the most talented QBs I’ve ever coached, and what he did this year speaks for itself. For him to fall that far is ridiculous.”
That criticism didn’t sit well with Kiper, who responded during an ESPN Radio segment with his own sharp words. “I’ve been doing this for over four decades,” Kiper said. “I’ve seen thousands of quarterbacks come through the ranks. I base my evaluations on film, interviews, and real scouting — not on hype or coaching loyalty. Coach Cristobal is trying to deflect attention away from the fact that Cam Ward, while talented, still has major flaws that NFL teams saw. That’s why he wasn’t a first-round pick.”
Kiper went further, saying, “If Coach Cristobal
