The NFL Draft is exciting because it is uncertain in nature.
If the biggest, fastest, strongest prospects were guaranteed to be the best players, the draft would happen the day after the NFL Combine. However, those measureables are better used as pass-fail thresholds for what those players can't be, rather than indicative of what they will be. The most important factors are often the things you can't easily measure, and that is why quarterback Cam Ward is so alluring for a team like the Tennessee Titans.
Ward possesses average to above-average physical traits across the board. Everything from his arm strength, speed, agility, acceleration, touch, and accuracy are in that "B-plus" range. If that were all there was to him, he wouldn't be worth the top selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
What really sets Ward apart are his intangibles. His work ethic, leadership, charisma, confidence, competitiveness, and all the other things that coalesce to create the "it factor" are the exceptional parts of his profile.
Watch the broadcast copy of any Miami game from 2024, and you will hear the broadcasters gush about his personality and how much the coaching staff loves him. Usually, when a player transfers from one college to another, you can find someone willing to take a shot at him, but Ward did it twice, and there haven't been any of those rumblings. He is just as beloved at Washington State and Incarnate Word.
(Mild language warning) The ACC Network posted this clip of Cam Ward's locker room speech at halftime against Florida State, where he is rallying the locker room to take back control of their state. This certainly isn't the only time Ward has shown personality. From clips of him chirping with Shedeur Sanders while they train in the offseason to his "Zombieland" celebrations with his teammates, Ward makes his presence known, and he asserts leadership on his football teams while also staying approachable.
That is a fine line to walk, but that makes Ward special. Skeptics will say, "Well, that is nice, but who cares? Can he throw the ball or not?"
The Titans care, and there may be immediate benefits that come with his alpha mentality.
There are prospects in this draft class who have talent paired with off-field questions. However, Ward's personality could be the key to getting the best out of those prospects.
Luther Burden III is one of the most talented receivers in this draft class, but he could fall right into the Titans laps at No. 35 overall if teams aren't sold on his focus and effort (among other off-the-field rumors and concerns). If Ward can get Burden to lock in, then the Titans could steal a first-round talent that could grow and develop alongside their franchise quarterback.
This isn't something that is limited to offense. Other guys who could fall because of question marks include players like James Pearce, Walter Nolan, Mike Green, and Josh Simmons. If the Titans are going to maximize their draft capital and try to rebuild this team before they have to start shelling out a massive contract to Ward, having a quarterback who can help you get the most out of guys on the fringe is a cheat code.