Tennessee Titans Eye Cam Ward As No. 1 Draft Pick

The Tennessee Titans are on the verge of a significant transformation as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, with the spotlight firmly on Miami quarterback Cam Ward. According to The Athletic, the Titans have "grew enamored" with Ward during pre-draft meetings, where they discussed his impressive college game film and his thought process behind various plays. With talk circulating that Ward may be the No. 1 pick, the Titans are signaling a clear shift in their strategy, focusing on rebuilding their offensive framework.

As it stands, a staggering 83 percent of NFL mock drafts predict that Ward will be the top pick for the Titans, outperforming other contenders. Ward had an outstanding year at Miami in 2024, throwing for an impressive 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns over 13 games. For a team that has faced three consecutive losing seasons, the infusion of such talent could be pivotal.

While other teams like the New York Giants once flirted with the idea of trading up for the first pick, that narrative has shifted, further solidifying the Titans' perceived path. The Titans' recent acquisitions also suggest that they are crafting a supportive environment for their future quarterback. They signed veteran offensive linemen Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore Jr. during free agency—a move aimed at enhancing the offensive line’s stability—and laid the groundwork to give a rookie quarterback a strong foundation.

The situation at quarterback has been unusually dynamic. Will Levis, the current starter, remains penciled in as first on the depth chart. However, uncertainty looms over his performance and future with the team. Analysts, including draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, have been vocal about their assessment of Levis, highlighting the challenges he faced last season due to a struggling offensive line and a lack of consistent receiver support. Kiper noted, "I get it: You’ve got to get the quarterback right. I don’t know what Will’s going to be. They don’t know what Will’s going to be. So I have no problem going with Cam Ward at that point." Kiper's endorsement is significant, especially considering that he once rated Levis highly leading into the 2023 draft.

The Titans’ pivot towards Ward doesn’t just stem from his college stats; it represents a larger strategic overhaul intended to get the franchise back on a competitive track. They’ve endured a lackluster performance, finishing the 2024 season with a franchise-tie for the most losses in history, a stark reminder that change is essential.

Currently, the Titans are also addressing their weaknesses in the running back and wide receiver departments. The running back position appears stable for the moment, yet the team plans to bolster it with undrafted free agents and potential late-round picks. But the receiving corps remains a glaring hole, prompting a significant effort from the front office to scout potential wide receivers who could contribute immediately. Time will tell how they navigate free agency and draft selections.

As for the offensive line, stability is crucial. Moore is expected to anchor left tackle for the upcoming season, while Peter Skoronski has solidified his starting role at left guard for a third consecutive season. This continuity aims to maintain a solid line of protection for the quarterback, whether it ends up being Levis or the rookie sensation Ward.

During discussions of Ward’s drafting prospects, Kiper suggests that the necessity for the Titans to secure a future star at quarterback overrides other considerations. He cites conversations with league insiders as having influenced his belief that the Titans will indeed draft Ward. His confidence in this pick reflects a shift in how the Titans are perceived in terms of their long-term strategies.

In terms of notable players to watch, Kiper identifies two standout talents from the 2025 class: Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado product Travis Hunter. Both are likely to be at the forefront of other franchises' minds. Kiper had initially imagined that Tennessee would take Carter, labeling him as a generational talent. However, with the focus shifting towards finding a quarterback of the future, the Titans are faced with a pivotal decision.

Throughout the upcoming days, the conversations surrounding who the Titans will ultimately select will intensify. Will they decide to cement their plans around Ward, or could Levis surprise everyone? The answer to that question remains uncertain, but the strategy seems to be leaning heavily in favor of embracing the new era with Cam Ward. The Titans appear ready to recommit to the one position that can make or break the franchise's success moving forward.

As the draft nears, the intensity of evaluations and discussions around quarterback prospects like Ward and Levis will heat up. Fans and analysts alike will be glued to every detail as the Titans aim to rekindle their competitive edge in the NFL. If Ward becomes the selection at No. 1, it might just be the turnaround the Titans have desperately sought.