As the Titans appear to be moving closer to starting over at quarterback instead of trading out of No. 1 overall, they will do more research on the player pegged as the top passing prospect in this draft. Another Cam Ward meeting is on tap.
Like the Browns, the Titans will circle back to the Miami QB. Tennessee is arranging a workout with Ward, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The team already used a “30” visit on Ward. The Titans have not slammed the door on trading down, of course, but Schefter reaffirms it will take an “even stronger” package for the team to now move out of the top draft slot.
Tennessee sent plenty of representatives to Ward’s pro day Monday, and this upcoming private workout will give a rearranged front office another chance to evaluate a player who played for three schools during this transfer-happy period. A former recruit at Division I-FCS Incarnate Word, Ward transferred to Washington State and then concluded his career at Miami. Following Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Michael Penix in raising his draft stock following a transfer, Ward has been the frontrunner to be the first quarterback selected for months. Creating distance between himself and Shedeur Sanders, Ward has long had support in the Titans’ building, and the team has been deep in QB research for months.
The Titans met with Ward earlier this month and, per veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky, had a contingent dine with the QB Sunday night. Since that point, rumors have circulated pointing the AFC South team to staying at No. 1 and picking Ward. It appears nothing at the 6-foot-2 prospect’s pro day has changed that course, but Titans brass will take another look. Selecting Ward would mean passing on players viewed as safer prospects (Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter), but punting on a QB in this draft would leave the Titans without a long-term plan after a rough Will Levis sophomore outing.
Entering the Combine, the Titans had received calls about No. 1 and were viewed by some as more likely to trade out of the pick than stay. After free agency did not send a starter-level veteran to Tennessee, which swapped out Mason Rudolph for Brandon Allen. The Titans effectively paved a path to Ward at No. 1 in free agency, unless they pivot to Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. The team has not been linked to Rodgers, and a report suggested it is not interested in Wilson.
Ward’s 39 touchdown passes led Division I-FBS last season, and he paired that total with 4,313 passing yards and seven interceptions. While only 204 rushing yards came along with these numbers, Ward is viewed as having more athletic upside than Sanders. The Titans saw Levis rank last in QBR — by a wide margin — in 2024, and they fired the GM (Ran Carthon) who traded up for the Kentucky prospect in 2023. Chiefs import Mike Borgonzi will run this year’s Titans draft, with heavy input from football ops president Chad Brinker.
Ward did not work out at the Combine but is on track to do so for Titans reps. As it stands, non-Tennessee teams connected to Ward will need to hope the Titans change course and stand down. Regardless, the Browns and Giants will need to do extensive homework on Sanders, whose draft landing spot remains a bit of a mystery.
Titans need a QB, Cam Ward is available, Titans have the 1st pick, seems like a good move.
Trade back, collect some picks and sign a veteran? I don’t like the veteran options and neither should the Titans.
They could also trade back, collect some extra selections and roll with Levis for one more year. If they trade back, I think that’s the direction they go.
If I was running the Titans, I’m taking Travis Hunter first overall though without a moment of hesitation. I want the best player available, and that’s Travis. I’d figure out the QB later.
Ride Levis for one more year and take Manning next year
I have to think the Titans are taking Ward. Levis could potentially develop down the line into a solid QB, but he hasn’t shown enough so far in today’s NFL to justify handing him the starting job again. Teams don’t wait years to develop QBs anymore.
Not only that, but Levis’ bad moments are so ugly that they can embarrass the franchise for passing on another QB and run the risk of Callahan snapping and murdering him on national television.
Green Bay has entered the chat
I mean, one team out of the whole league doesn’t negate what I’m saying, especially when they thought Rodgers was going to retire soon. Given the price of QBs and the fifth year option for 1st rounders, it just doesn’t make sense to wait for a QB to develop anymore.
In Tennessee’s case, if Levis hasn’t shown much yet, you’d realistically only have this year to decide if he’s worth the 5th year option and relatively cheap QB play.
If the Titans pass on Ward he won’t make it past the Giants. Unfortunately for the Giants.
I think the overall sentiment and narrative can change around the draft in a concerning way. First its not a strong QB draft. Then its TN cant pass up on him because they need a QB. Yeah but…if he isnt that great of a QB, absolutely you pass on him. You dont pay 50 dollars at a cafeteria for a sandwich just cause you are hungry. Yeah, TN could really use a QB that could carry the franchise. Dont think its Ward or Sanders so dont pay the exorbitant price. I am not saying Dart is that either but if he was there at 19 or so trade up and give it a shot. He would be more like a $12 cafeteria sandwich at pick 19 or 20. Maybe Ewers. Maybe someone else.
TN is not going far this year even if Patrick Mahomes is traded to them so not sure there is an urgent need to get the best available QB for this year. If its Levis or Ewers or Allen and its a lousy year, hey high draft when maybe its a better QB draft year. As a fan I want Abdul Carter. So see what you can get. I mean see if Cleveland gives you anything to swap. Then see if NY would want to swap 3 for 2. Or just deal directly with NY. But at the end of the day they can be just fine with the 3. I think QB needy teams trade up. Dont think anybody trades up and picks Abdul. But if for some reason they do and then Hunter is not there at 3, okay maybe pick Ward. Or trade the pick to someone who would pay big for the opportunity to take Cam.
What a stupid pick.