ESPN Star Responds to Criticism Over Cam Ward NFL Draft Coverage

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal exchanged sharp words on Wednesday, escalating a public dispute over coverage of quarterback Cam Ward’s path to the NFL.

Ward, a former Heisman Trophy contender, was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick in last month’s draft. The Titans' choice was widely expected, but some observers felt the pick received less attention amid the unexpected slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the draft order.

Sanders eventually landed with the Cleveland Browns as the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to draft Travis Hunter at No. 2, shifting much of the media spotlight. During the three-day draft event, Mel Kiper Jr. attracted criticism for his persistent focus on Sanders’ surprising fall.

At one point, tensions spilled over on-air, as Kiper and fellow ESPN broadcaster Rece Davis openly disagreed when the Browns finally chose Sanders in the fifth round. Cristobal, meanwhile, pushed back against reports that he or Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson had provided inside information to Kiper about Ward.

According to The Action Network, Cristobal was emphatic: “Never heard from him,” he stated. “I don’t think I’ve ever talked to him.”

• Cristobal asserted that he was not personally disappointed by the coverage.
• The coach emphasized that his only concern would be if Ward himself was upset by the narrative.
• He expressed confidence that Ward was focused on being drafted and beginning his professional career.

Kiper responded swiftly and directly to Cristobal’s denial, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to fire back: "Mario Cristobal claims he spoke to a million people about Cam Ward, yet the one he didn’t speak to, being me, had Ward ranked higher (6th on my Big Board) than any of the other draft experts. Interesting isn’t it," Kiper wrote. "And oh by the way, I didn’t speak to Deion about Shedeur either. I need another Orange Crush after this nonsense." This pointed exchange marks Kiper’s first social media comment since before the draft, highlighting how Sanders’ fall and coverage surrounding key prospects remain a sore spot among analysts and team staff alike.

Looking ahead, Cam Ward is expected to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the Titans when the upcoming season kicks off. Tennessee will open its 2025 campaign by facing the Denver Broncos on September 7, setting the stage for Ward’s highly anticipated NFL debut.