Top NFL Landing Spots For Cam Ward, Damien Martinez & Jalen Rivers

Top NFL Landing Spots for Cam Ward, Damien Martinez, and Jalen Rivers

As the NFL draft approaches, college football fans and analysts alike are keeping a keen eye on the next wave of potential stars who could take the league by storm. Among the names that have gained considerable attention are Cam Ward, Damien Martinez, and Jalen Rivers. These three athletes have put together impressive careers in college football, showcasing a unique set of skills that could make them valuable assets to NFL teams in need of their respective talents. As we dive into the NFL landing spots for each of these standout players, we’ll explore why these prospects are poised to make an impact and identify the teams that could benefit most from their skills.

Cam Ward – Quarterback (Washington State)

Overview: Cam Ward, the dynamic quarterback for the Washington State Cougars, has emerged as one of the top QB prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With impressive statistics and a skill set that combines arm strength, mobility, and a knack for making plays under pressure, Ward has caught the attention of NFL scouts. He possesses a fluid throwing motion, a quick release, and an ability to make all the throws on the field. Ward’s dual-threat ability adds another layer to his game, making him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for both a pocket passer and a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs.

However, Ward’s performance in a pass-heavy system at Washington State raised questions about how he would transition to an NFL offense. While he has all the physical tools, questions remain about his consistency and decision-making, particularly when it comes to reading defenses and making quick decisions under duress. Nevertheless, Ward’s raw talent and upside make him an appealing prospect for a number of NFL teams, especially those looking to develop a young quarterback with a high ceiling.

Top Landing Spots:

1. Indianapolis Colts – 4th Overall Pick The Indianapolis Colts have been in the quarterback market for some time, and their search for a long-term solution at the position could culminate with selecting Cam Ward at the fourth overall pick. After an inconsistent season with veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, the Colts have turned to younger quarterbacks, and Cam Ward could be the future they’ve been searching for. His mobility and arm strength would fit well in a Colts offense that is looking to retool its passing attack. Furthermore, the Colts have a solid offensive line and a decent group of receivers, making it a great environment for a young quarterback to succeed.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 14th Overall Pick After the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in need of a long-term solution at the quarterback position. Ward’s dual-threat ability would be a welcome addition to an offense that has some strong weapons in the passing game, such as wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Ward would benefit from playing behind an offensive line with solid blocking, and the Bucs could afford to bring him along slowly under the guidance of a veteran quarterback like Baker Mayfield. With a promising offensive system and a chance to sit behind a veteran, Ward would have the opportunity to develop at his own pace.
3. Atlanta Falcons – 8th Overall Pick The Atlanta Falcons are looking for a quarterback who can take advantage of their growing offensive talent, including a dynamic running back in Bijan Robinson and a talented receiving core featuring Drake London and Kyle Pitts. While Desmond Ridder has shown flashes of potential, Atlanta could be looking to upgrade the quarterback position to fully unlock the offense’s potential. Ward would bring mobility and a big arm to a system that could benefit from his skill set. The Falcons have a solid offensive line, which would allow Ward to develop his game and avoid the pressure that other young quarterbacks have faced in the past.
4. Minnesota Vikings – 23rd Overall Pick The Minnesota Vikings are another team that might look to add a young quarterback to develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins. With Cousins’ future uncertain beyond the next couple of seasons, the Vikings could take a chance on a high-upside prospect like Cam Ward. Ward’s mobility and playmaking ability would pair well with a receiving corps that includes superstar Justin Jefferson and veteran Adam Thielen. The Vikings’ offense has the weapons to support a quarterback with raw talent, and bringing in Ward would give them an option to groom for the future.

Damien Martinez – Running Back (Oregon State)

Overview: Damien Martinez, the star running back from Oregon State, is one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft at his position. Known for his power, vision, and consistency, Martinez is a downhill runner who thrives between the tackles but also possesses enough speed and elusiveness to break off big runs in the open field. He has the balance and physicality to absorb contact and keep churning out yardage, making him a tough player to bring down. Additionally, his work in pass protection and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield give him a well-rounded skill set that will make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking to add a workhorse running back.

While Martinez’s ability to handle a heavy workload is one of his strengths, his skill set as a three-down back sets him apart from other running backs in the draft. His vision, patience, and ability to finish runs with power make him a potential starter at the next level. However, he will need to prove he can handle the speed and complexity of NFL defenses, and teams will want to see him improve his consistency as a receiving option.

Top Landing Spots:

1. Miami Dolphins – 24th Overall Pick The Miami Dolphins have a potent offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a speedster-filled receiving corps. Adding a powerful, between-the-tackles runner like Damien Martinez would give the Dolphins an important dimension to their offense. While they have a capable backfield with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., Martinez could give them a more physical presence, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His ability to wear down defenses would open up more space for Miami’s explosive passing attack, making him an ideal fit.
2. Buffalo Bills – 28th Overall Pick The Buffalo Bills have long been in search of a running back who can balance the offense alongside quarterback Josh Allen. Damien Martinez could be the missing piece in their offensive scheme, providing a physical back to complement Allen’s dynamic playmaking ability. Martinez’s vision and power would make him an ideal candidate for Buffalo’s offense, which already boasts a top-tier passing game with receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. His physical running style would give the Bills a more consistent ground attack, something they have been missing in recent seasons.
3. Dallas Cowboys – 26th Overall Pick The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and a strong running back in Tony Pollard. However, with the future of veteran Ezekiel Elliott uncertain, Dallas could look to add another dynamic option to their backfield, and Damien Martinez could fit the bill. With his combination of power, vision, and pass-catching ability, Martinez would give the Cowboys a versatile weapon who can contribute on all three downs. He could serve as a complementary back to Pollard, and his size and skill set would make him a great fit in Dallas’ power-based running game.
4. Kansas City Chiefs – 31st Overall Pick The Kansas City Chiefs have a high-flying offense led by Patrick Mahomes, but their running back position has lacked consistency in recent years. Damien Martinez could bring balance to the Chiefs’ offense by adding a physical, between-the-tackles rusher who can also contribute in the passing game. His ability to churn out tough yards and maintain drives would complement Mahomes’ explosive passing attack. Martinez’s versatility as a runner and pass-catcher could make him an ideal fit in Andy Reid’s offense, which thrives on creating mismatches.

Jalen Rivers – Offensive Guard (Miami)

Overview: Jalen Rivers, the standout offensive guard for the Miami Hurricanes, is a powerful and technically sound player who has the potential to be a day-one starter in the NFL. Known for his ability to dominate in both the run game and in pass protection, Rivers has shown his versatility on the offensive line, excelling in both zone and power blocking schemes. His combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a force in the trenches, and he has the potential to develop into a top-tier offensive lineman at the next level.

Rivers’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and protect the quarterback has made him one of the top interior offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft. His balance, awareness, and ability to finish blocks give him a solid foundation for success in the NFL. While Rivers has been praised for his technique, he will need to continue refining his footwork and hand placement to ensure he can hold up against faster and more powerful defensive linemen in the pros.

Top Landing Spots:

1. Chicago Bears – 1st Overall Pick (or Trade Down) The Chicago Bears have a young quarterback in Justin Fields who needs all the protection he can get. Rivers would be an ideal addition to a Bears offensive line that has struggled in recent seasons. With the first overall pick (or possibly trading down), Chicago could use that capital to select Rivers and solidify their offensive line for the future. Rivers’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and provide protection for Fields would be invaluable, and he could develop into a cornerstone piece of the Bears’ offensive line.
2. Houston Texans – 2nd Overall Pick Similar to the Bears, the Houston Texans are in the early stages of a rebuild and need to invest in the offensive line to protect their quarterback of the future. Rivers would provide an immediate upgrade in both pass protection and run blocking. The Texans have struggled to protect their quarterbacks in recent years, and adding a versatile guard like Rivers would help them build a strong foundation for future success. Rivers’ ability to excel in multiple blocking schemes makes him a great fit for the Texans’ growing offensive line.
3. Cleveland Browns – 14th Overall Pick The Cleveland Browns have one of the NFL’s best running backs in Nick Chubb, and they’ve invested heavily in their offensive line in recent years. However, adding a player like Rivers could provide additional depth and help improve the protection around quarterback Deshaun Watson. Rivers’ skill set as a mauler in the run game and his ability to anchor in pass protection would complement the Browns’ offensive line, making them even more formidable in both the running and passing games.
4. San Francisco 49ers – 25th Overall Pick The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, and adding an interior lineman like Rivers would make them even more dangerous. Rivers’ ability to excel in a zone-blocking scheme makes him a great fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. His strength and technique would help the 49ers’ running game, which is a key component of their offensive identity. Adding Rivers would give the 49ers another powerful lineman to work with, helping to create more holes for running backs like Christian McCaffrey while providing better protection for their quarterback, whether it’s Brock Purdy or another signal caller.