The race for the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up as the Tennessee Titans gear up to announce their first overall pick on April 24. With the stakes high after their disappointing 3-14 performance last season, the Titans have set their eyes on university star Cam Ward, who has recently emerged as the favorite to be selected first among other contenders, including Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Ward, who shone during the 2024 college football season, has overtaken Sanders as the odds-on favorite to become the top selection according to betting lines from various sportsbooks. At BetOnline, Ward’s odds currently stand at -150, reflecting his growing momentum among analysts and fans alike. By comparison, Sanders trails behind with odds of +110. These figures indicate sports bettors’ belief in Ward’s capabilities and potential impact on the NFL stage.
During the 2024 college season at Miami, Ward expanded his résumé with impressive statistics, completing 305 of 454 passing attempts for 4,313 yards and throwing 39 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. His performance not only landed him fourth place in the Heisman Trophy voting, where he garnered six first-place votes, but also led Miami to a successful 10-3 record, sealing their victory with a thrilling 42-41 win over Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Sanders, on the other hand, also had a noteworthy season, completing 353 of 477 attempts for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His efforts led Colorado to its first Bowl game since 2020, finishing the regular season with a commendable 9-4 record.
The Titans' confidence in Ward has been underscored by several analysts pointing to his dynamic play-making abilities and arm talent. NFL analyst Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz commented, “With Ward, Tennessee might actually get what it hoped it would find in Will Levis: a dynamic thrower who can attack every level of the field.” This highlights the Titans’ decision as one pivotal to reshape their franchise after struggling with Levis as their starter, having drafted him second overall the previous year.
Levis's inconsistency raised eyebrows, as he threw for only 2,091 yards with 13 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, leaving the Titans desperate for change. Ward’s aggressive playstyle brings both high potential and risk, making him a high-reward but potentially high-risk prospect. While Ward’s strengths are evident, some questions remain about his turnover-worthy plays and decision-making under pressure, as he has demonstrated tendencies to take unnecessary risks.
The Titans, having secured the top pick, now find themselves at the crossroads of deciding between Ward’s explosive potential and Sanders’ steadier, more methodical style. Betting odds place Ward firmly as the favorite, with figures from SI Betting also reflecting his surge to -125, compared to Sanders’ +105. This shift is indicative of bookmakers’ growing belief based on Ward’s collegiate performance and projected transition to the pro level.
Scouts have noted Ward’s impressive command of the offense and his ability to make pre-snap reads, which, coupled with his physical attributes (6'2" and 223 lbs), positions him as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks available. Expectations are high, as Ward demonstrated his ability to throw from multiple angles and made heady plays involving both arm strength and mobility during his time as the starting quarterback.
Born on May 25, 2002, and inheriting athletic prowess from his NFL relatives, Ward is ready to seize this opportunity. His past as a two-sport athlete fosters his adaptability, allowing him to shoulder the offense's burden and operate proficiently under pressure. Evaluators say he possesses the kind of arm talent and athleticism rivals seek when assessing quarterback prospects, making it clear why the Titans may be inclined to pivot to him as they explore reshaping their future.
The Titans will likely take their time evaluating both Ward and Sanders before making their final decision. The draft options may also lead the Titans to explore additional avenues, including trading their pick to gain more assets for future talent development. While Ward emerges as the clear front-runner, the Titans also factor team needs, coaching strategies, and the existing structure of their roster as they prepare for April.
With the NFL Draft only months away, all eyes remain fixed on Nashville and the decisions the Titans will make. They must decide whether to continue with Levis or forge on with Ward, who is keyed up for the challenge of potentially revitalizing the franchise. Draft day promises to have major ramifications not only for Ward’s career but also for the Titans as they aim to turn the tide and ascend back to competitiveness.
Overall, Cam Ward’s rise as the top draft prospect signifies more than just his individual skill. It is emblematic of the Titans' urgent need for revitalization at the quarterback position, and as draft talks increasingly heat up, his name will continue to dominate discussions leading up to this pivotal moment for the franchise.