Last year’s rookie quarterback class was a very interesting one, and the Tennessee Titans were part of the experience. With them having the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, they selected Cam Ward, who was by far the most pro-ready quarterback coming out of college.
Ward found himself in a lackluster situation, but he still managed to make the most of it despite some rookie mistakes. He only threw seven interceptions, but there were times when he was looking to make a play and it just simply wasn’t there. It also didn’t help that the Titans offense under Brian Callahan was a complete mess.
The good news is that Ward showed enough promise going into his second season, and now that he has a new and improved coaching staff around him, he should be ready to take the next step forward in 2026.
Even though Ward showed the most promise as a rookie quarterback last year, and yes even ahead of Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants, Lou Scataglia from NFL Spin Zone doesn’t think that is the case.
Cam Ward ranked below Jaxson Dart in recent power rankings is unreal
Scataglia recently ranked the notable second-year quarterbacks going into training camp, and Ward was ranked at No. 2 behind Dart, which doesn’t make sense when you look at the situations that each quarterback is in.
"Cam Ward was sacked 55 times, which was the most in the NFL, but he was a 17-game starter for the Tennessee Titans, tossing just under 3,200 yards and 15 touchdown passes. Toward the end of the season, Ward looked a lot sharper, and now that he has Brian Daboll calling the plays, the odds of a year two jump feel rather likely." said Scataglia.
"Ward added 159 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns. The main thing with Ward is the arm strength - he can make any throw on the field and will be able to live in the pocket going forward." Scataglia added.
When you compare the current situations that Dart and Ward are in, there is no doubt that Ward is better positioned for 2026 success. Not to mention he was already a full-season starter unlike Dart. Ward has an upgraded wide receiver core that includes Carnell Tate, Calvin Ridley, and Wan’Dale Robinson (who was with Dart last season in New York).
As for Dart, he has Malik Nabers (who is coming off a torn ACL), Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Odell Beckham Jr. (who hasn’t played since 2024).
In addition, having Brian Daboll as an offensive coordinator is more promising than having Matt Nagy, who will be running the offense for Dart and the Giants. Daboll is a better proven play caller and has the experience working with a top quarterback like Josh Allen.
Dart may have shown flashier plays than Ward, but he also played recklessly to the point where he went into the blue tent plenty of times last season.
To say that Dart is the top second-year quarterback going into training camp over Ward is just nonsense. Ward is not only the better overall quarterback, but he has the much better setup which should help him enjoy a productive sophomore season.
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