Mel Kiper Jr. faces backlash over Cam Ward's draft coverage

In the weeks following the NFL Draft held in April 2025, significant criticism emerged regarding the coverage of quarterback Cam Ward, particularly the insights provided by ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. During the draft, Kiper commented on the comparatively underwhelming media attention surrounding Ward, who was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans. This selection raised eyebrows because it came amid the dramatic draft slide of Shedeur Sanders, creating a spectacle that overshadowed other top contenders. Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal stated that he and his offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson did not communicate with Kiper about Ward, despite Kiper ranking Ward highly on his Big Board, which illustrated a disconnect between Kiper's views and those of the Miami coaching staff. Kiper responded to Cristobal's comments, pointing out that he ranked Ward higher than other experts and questioned why Cristobal didn't speak with him if he was truly interested in how Ward was perceived. As the Titans prepare for the upcoming season, Ward is expected to take the starting quarterback position, heightening the tension around the media's focus and the draft decisions made. Furthermore, Deion Sanders, the father and coach of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, publicly defended Kiper's passionate remarks regarding his son's draft slide, showing the complex intersection of relationships and professional opinions within the world of NFL scouting and coverage. This interplay of media perception, personal connections, and the scrutiny of upcoming players highlights the broader implications of how draft coverage can influence public opinion and team strategies in the league. The controversy reflects the pressures associated with being an analyst during such a tumultuous event, where emotions can run high and decisions can have lasting ramifications for the athletes involved. As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will remain fixed on both Ward and Sanders, as well as the analysts who shape the narrative surrounding them.