The Tennessee Titans made former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. He's the first-ever QB to be selected by the organization with the top pick in the draft dating back to the 1960 Houston Oilers.
The hope is that Ward develops into a top-10 signal caller in the NFL.
The Titans have been arguably been searching for a true face-of-the-franchise quarterback since Steve McNair. There were flashes of brief success under Ryan Tannehill, Marcus Mariota, and Vince Young, but none of them served as the starting QB for more than four seasons.
In making Ward the organization's third drafted quarterback in the previous four drafts (under three different GMs), the Nashville-based club hopes they've addressed the position once and for all.
Ward represents new hope for a franchise that hasn't qualified for the postseason in three consecutive campaigns. There are several organizations around the NFL that would swap quarterback situations with the Titans right now. In fact, Ward is already better than the following starting quarterbacks just minutes after being drafted.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason Rudolph
The Steelers have been strung along by Aaron Rodgers throughout the offseason. They're also candidates to select a quarterback sometime during the draft. Right now, their starting quarterback is Mason Rudolph, who struggled with the Titans in 2024. Rudolph threw as many interceptions as touchdowns (nine) last season.
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco/Kenny Pickett
The Browns are anxious to move on from Deshaun Watson. They brought in both Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco this offseason as short-term bridge solutions. The Browns shockingly traded out of the No. 2 pick, completing a draft-day blockbuster with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They likely would have taken Ward with the top pick.
Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones
The rival AFC South Colts are nearly fed-up with former No. 4 overall quarterback Anthony Richardson. They brought in Daniel Jones this offseason and plan to hold a legitimate QB competition in training camp. A concerning situation is brewing in Indianapolis.
New York Giants: Russell Wilson/Jameis Winston
Various reports claim the Giants tried harder than any other franchise to trade up to No. 1 overall to select Ward. Instead, they settled for Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in free agency. The Giants may still draft a rookie quarterback, but it won't be one who possesses Ward's upside.
Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy is coming off a season-ending injury that completely wiped out his rookie campaign. There's a lot of pressure on his shoulders, as the Vikings are handing him the keys after moving on from Sam Darnold. Admittedly, McCarthy would have been in contention for No. 1 overall in this year's draft, but Ward has better physical abilities.
New Orleans Saints: Jake Haener/Spencer Rattler
Derek Carr's 2025 campaign is already at risk due to a shoulder injury. That positions a pair of mid-round QBs in Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener in contention for the starting gig. The Saints may draft Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, or Shedeur Sanders, but there's a reason Ward was selected before them.
New York Jets: Justin Fields
The Jets signed Justin Fields this offseason to be a short-term solution at quarterback. Fields still has developmental potential, but there's a reason the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from him in back-to-back offseasons. Ward has a higher ceiling.