Cam Ward is chosen by the Tennessee Titans in Mel Kiper’s most recent mock draft.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes are on the Tennessee Titans, who find themselves at a crossroads in their rebuilding process. The Titans, who have been a playoff contender in recent years but have fallen short of their ultimate goal, are now looking toward the future. A key aspect of this future will be their decision with their first-round pick, and according to ESPN’s draft analyst Mel Kiper, that pick could be Cam Ward, the talented quarterback from Washington State.

Kiper’s recent mock draft has sparked excitement and debate, as the Titans are expected to select a quarterback in the first round, given the uncertain future of veteran Ryan Tannehill. Ward, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his college career, could be the player to help usher in the next era of Titans football. But what would this selection mean for the Titans’ future, and how does Ward fit into the team’s immediate needs and long-term goals?

This article will dive into Ward’s potential impact on the Titans, examining his strengths, weaknesses, and what his selection would mean for the team’s quarterback situation, roster construction, and overall direction.

The Titans’ Quarterback Situation: A Transition Period

The Tennessee Titans have been led by veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill since 2019, a stretch during which the team enjoyed several playoff appearances and a run to the AFC Championship Game in the 2019 season. Tannehill’s leadership and ability to manage the offense have made him a reliable option, particularly with the dynamic presence of running back Derrick Henry in the backfield. However, as Tannehill ages and the team begins a period of transition, there are growing questions about how much longer he can remain the team’s starter.

Tannehill, while still capable of playing at a high level, is in the final stages of his career, and the Titans need to start planning for the future. In 2024, Tannehill’s play began to show signs of regression, and with the team not quite reaching its full potential, the front office began to look for options for the future.

The Titans are likely entering a phase where finding their quarterback of the future becomes paramount. With Tannehill’s contract winding down, the Titans need to make sure they have a long-term solution in place. This is where Cam Ward comes into play.

Cam Ward: The Next Quarterback of the Titans?

Cam Ward, a former standout at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, has quickly become one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 210 pounds, Ward has the physical tools and the skill set to be a successful NFL quarterback. His ability to make all the throws, combined with his mobility and field awareness, make him an appealing option for the Titans.

Ward’s Strengths: Arm Talent and Mobility

One of the most noticeable aspects of Ward’s game is his arm strength. He has the ability to make deep throws with precision and has shown an ability to throw the football accurately to all areas of the field. In particular, Ward is adept at throwing on the run, a trait that makes him an intriguing option for a Titans team that could benefit from a more mobile quarterback to complement their run-heavy offense.

Ward’s arm strength has allowed him to excel in both short and intermediate passing windows, as well as down the field. His ability to throw accurately on deep passes is a major asset in today’s NFL, where vertical threats are increasingly important. Ward’s deep ball accuracy, coupled with his ability to read defenses, allows him to make big plays in the passing game.

Additionally, Ward is a mobile quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. His mobility makes him a dual-threat weapon, capable of escaping pressure and picking up first downs with his feet when the pocket breaks down. This ability to move outside the pocket and make plays on the run would be an asset in a Titans offense that has often relied on a strong running game, as it would add an additional dynamic to their attack.

Ward’s Weaknesses: Inconsistency and Decision-Making

While Ward has impressive physical tools, there are some areas of his game that need refinement. One area of concern is his consistency as a passer. Ward has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with accuracy at times, particularly on throws outside the numbers and in tight windows. He has a tendency to make questionable decisions under pressure, sometimes forcing the ball into coverage, leading to interceptions or missed opportunities.

Ward’s decision-making has been a point of emphasis in his development. At times, he holds onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or forced throws that end up as turnovers. His ability to read defenses and process information quickly will be critical as he transitions to the NFL. These are areas that can be improved with coaching and experience, but they are also the areas that could cause growing pains early in his career.

Additionally, Ward’s mechanics, while generally solid, need to be polished. His footwork can sometimes be sloppy, leading to inaccurate throws. Working with an NFL quarterback coach could help improve these aspects of his game, but they are things the Titans would need to address if they select him.

Ward’s Fit in the Titans’ System

So, how does Cam Ward fit into the Titans’ system? The Titans have long been a run-first offense, led by one of the NFL’s premier running backs, Derrick Henry. This ground-and-pound approach has been the cornerstone of the Titans’ offensive philosophy under head coach Mike Vrabel. However, as the NFL evolves, there is an increasing demand for more balance in the passing game.

Ward’s ability to throw the football deep and make plays outside of the pocket could give the Titans an added dimension to their offense. If Ward can develop into a consistent passer, his mobility would also give the Titans the ability to incorporate more play-action concepts, which would be a natural fit with Henry in the backfield.

In terms of style, Ward’s ability to extend plays with his legs would work well in an offense that often leans on play-action and bootlegs. The Titans would likely design a playbook that maximizes his mobility, allowing him to make throws on the move and take advantage of defenses who are focused on stopping Henry and the run game. Ward’s deep-ball accuracy would also mesh well with the Titans’ need for a more dynamic passing attack.

However, the key to making this work would be developing Ward as a passer. His ability to make quick reads and be more consistent with his decision-making will be critical. The Titans’ coaching staff, which has seen the development of quarterbacks like Tannehill, would have the opportunity to mold Ward into a franchise quarterback, but it will take time.

What Does This Mean for Ryan Tannehill?

If the Titans do indeed select Cam Ward with the first pick in the 2025 draft, it would signal the beginning of a new era at quarterback. While Tannehill would likely start in the short term, the selection of Ward would make it clear that the team is preparing for the future. The Titans could look to develop Ward behind Tannehill for a year or two, allowing him to learn from the veteran before taking over as the starting quarterback.

Tannehill, who has been a reliable presence under center for the Titans, would likely be on board with helping to mentor Ward. Tannehill’s experience and leadership could provide the perfect environment for Ward to grow and develop as an NFL quarterback. However, the timeline for when Ward takes over as the starter would depend on his development. If Ward shows promise early in his career, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a chance to start sooner rather than later.

The Titans’ Long-Term Vision

The decision to select Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft would be a signal that the Titans are committed to building a balanced offense capable of competing in the modern NFL. While Derrick Henry’s dominance in the running game will always be a key aspect of the team’s identity, the Titans know that they need to evolve to remain competitive in an increasingly pass-heavy league. The selection of Ward would give them the quarterback to lead that evolution.

In the long term, Ward’s development could be the catalyst for a Titans offense that is more explosive and dynamic. With a solid offensive line, a revamped receiving corps, and Henry still providing his physicality in the backfield, Ward could become the leader of a team capable of competing for championships in the near future.

 A Bold Move for the Future

Mel Kiper’s projection of Cam Ward to the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick is a bold move that could have far-reaching consequences for the franchise. If Ward can develop into the quarterback the Titans hope for, he could become the centerpiece of a new era of Titans football—one that is balanced, explosive, and capable of competing at the highest levels of the NFL.

For now, the Titans must focus on developing Ward’s potential while continuing to build around him with key acquisitions in free agency and the draft. It is a critical time for the Titans, and Ward’s selection could be the turning point they need to return to the top of the AFC and beyond. Only time will tell if this bold move will pay off, but the future looks promising for the Tennessee Titans with Cam Ward at the helm.