Why UM’s Cam Ward won’t throw at the Combine, UM wideout meets Dolphins coaches and combine notes
Cam Ward’s resume needs no introduction.
He played five years of collegiate ball. Thrown more than 2,300 times. And led all quarterbacks in touchdown passes.
It’s no surprise that the projected top-five pick subsequently opted to not throw at the NFL Combine.
“Me throwing here is not going to move me in no type of way,” Ward said Friday morning. “Five years of film speaks for itself.”
In one year, Ward not only had the single-best passing season in Hurricanes history but made an UM team that went 7-6 in 2023 relevant. As the Miami Herald columnist Omar Kelly said, teams that pass on Ward will certainly regret it.
“You’re either going to draft me or you’re not,” Ward told The Associated Press. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’ve got to remember you’re the same team that’s got to play me for the rest of my career, and I’ll remember that.”
Xavier Restrepo meets with Dolphins
Looks like the Miami Dolphins have done their homework on at least one hometown guy.
University of Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo confirmed Friday that he met with the Dolphins. Although coach Mike McDaniel wasn’t in attendance, the Hurricanes’ all-time leader in career receptions and receiving yards said that both the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach led the meeting. It’s unclear when the meeting actually occurred, however, the star receiver likely spoke with newly hired special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman and wide receivers coach Robert Prince.
The first report of Restrepo’s conversation with the Dolphins, courtesy of South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Chris Perkins, came during the Senior Bowl in late January.
Restrepo led the Hurricanes in receptions (69) and yards receiving (1,127) during his record-breaking 2024 season. Known for his route-running and ability to create separation, the 22-year-old wants teams to know just how he’s more than just a slot receiver.
“I feel like I’m a complete receiver,” Restrepo said. He went on to specifically highlight his adaptability. “I had five quarterbacks, four receiver coaches, three offensive coordinators, two coaches.”
Added Restrepo: “I’m able to adapt to anything.”
Damien Martinez to run 40
The UM tailback is certainly known as a powerful runner.
That said, Martinez said he plans to run the 40-yard dash to showcase his top-end speed.
“Just show I can run,” Martinez said when asked about his decision to participate in the 40. “Everybody wants to see my long speed so that 40 is what I’m really looking forward too.”
A transfer from Oregon State prior to the 2024 season, Martinez came to The U and put up his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. He also added a career-high 10 touchdowns as a Hurricane.
“I feel like I know of proved at both places I can run everything pretty well,” Martinez said when asked about the differences between in a zone read system versus one that’s more downhill. “Whatever it is. Whatever coach needs me to do, I’ll get it done.”
Martinez confirmed that he too met with the Dolphins back at the Senior Bowl. With McDaniel already on record saying he wants to add a back or two, the former Hurricane could be the guy. Keep in mind: the Dolphins need a power runner.
“How they run wide zone, how everything’s moving with the O-line, I love it,” Martinez told the Miami Herald at the Senior Bowl.
How much will it cost to retain CB Kader Kohou?
The 2022 undrafted free agent had quite the season in 2024.
Not only did the nickel corner record eight pass deflections, he forced a fumble and snagged two interceptions, one of which came during crunch time against the San Francisco 49ers.
Now comes the question on everyone’s mind: how much are the Dolphins willing to spend to afford him considering the hole already on the outside with the release of cornerback Kendall Fuller?
The NFL officially released the numbers that teams can pay restricted free agents which are broken down into five categories, according to On Sports Illustrated. Miami thus has a few options but the most likely one would be either a second-round tender at $5.3 million or the right of first refusal tender at $3.3 million, all of which is guaranteed.
There’s also a third option available to the Dolphins: sign Kohou to a multi-year deal outright.
The Dolphins have two other restricted free agents in edge rusher Quinton Bell and receiver Anthony Schwartz.
This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 10:14 AM.
