Best player available? No one is buying Titans GM’s Cam Ward camouflage even one iota

The NFL draft is a time for optimism, with every team thinking about the future and how the next wave of talent can potentially change the trajectory of their franchise. However, it’s also a time when General Managers (GMs) are under significant pressure to make the right decisions. For the Tennessee Titans, the situation has reached a boiling point, and their GM, Cam Ward, has found himself in the spotlight for his comments about the team’s draft strategy, particularly regarding the idea of selecting the “best player available.” While this seems like a reasonable philosophy at first glance, it’s quickly becoming apparent that fans and analysts alike aren’t buying it—even one iota.

When Ward made his statement about taking the “best player available” with the team’s next draft pick, many believed it was a cop-out. A GM’s duty is to craft a team that has a solid foundation, and when a team is clearly in need of certain positions—like the Tennessee Titans, who have been searching for a solid quarterback and bolstered offensive line—speaking in vague terms about taking the “best available” seems like an attempt to camouflage the true direction of the team’s strategy. But as Ward’s words rang hollow, fans and experts quickly began to peel back the layers of the GM’s facade.

The “Best Player Available” Narrative

The “best player available” strategy is a widely used phrase in the NFL, particularly around draft season. It’s often touted by GMs as the ideal approach, a philosophy that seemingly guarantees the selection of the most talented player without regard to position. On paper, it’s easy to see why this philosophy sounds appealing. If a team were to simply select the best player, regardless of need, they would theoretically end up with a roster brimming with top-tier talent. The more talent you have, the better your team will perform, right?

However, in practice, the “best player available” philosophy often ignores one crucial factor: team needs. For a team like the Titans, who have glaring weaknesses at multiple key positions—particularly at quarterback and offensive line—the “best player available” mantra rings somewhat hollow. Yes, it sounds like a good fallback when you’re trying to deflect any criticism of your draft strategy, but it fails to address the most pressing issues the team is facing. And here lies the problem with Ward’s statement.

While it’s true that NFL teams must always be on the lookout for premium talent, there are instances where addressing positional needs must come first. No team can afford to ignore an entire section of their roster simply for the sake of bringing in a top-tier talent at a non-essential position. When the Titans are more than likely going to need a quarterback of the future, ignoring that need in favor of selecting the “best player available,” whether it’s a wide receiver or defensive lineman, risks setting the team back further.

This doesn’t mean the Titans should only select based on need at all costs, but Ward’s assertion of focusing solely on the “best player available” is simply an oversimplification of what is a far more nuanced and complex situation.

The Camouflage and Lack of Credibility

General Managers in the NFL are often skilled in deflecting attention and camouflaging their intentions. This is especially true during the draft process when teams want to keep their cards close to the chest, not revealing their true intentions to potential competitors. However, there’s a fine line between playing things close to the vest and flat-out misleading the fan base and media.

Ward’s “best player available” rhetoric might be seen as a way of camouflaging his true intentions. By parroting a common NFL phrase, he’s attempting to avoid answering tough questions about the Titans’ need for a quarterback. Yet, the reality is that Ward’s strategy is not fooling anyone.

The Titans’ need for a quarterback is glaring. Ryan Tannehill has been a solid, if not spectacular, leader for the team, but he’s clearly not the long-term solution. The Titans have an aging roster, and they know that they must find a franchise quarterback to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive AFC. If Ward were genuinely committed to this “best player available” strategy, the Titans could theoretically draft any position, but ignoring quarterback in such a draft year seems disingenuous. The roster is built to compete now, but without addressing the most important position on the field, the team will be left floundering in mediocrity.

On top of this, Ward has not made it clear whether the Titans are truly in the running for one of the top quarterback prospects, such as C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young. By focusing on the “best player available,” Ward can avoid offering any concrete answers about the team’s direction, all while giving the impression that they are simply playing a “best player” strategy. This maneuver could be seen as an attempt to play it safe, but it’s clear to anyone who follows the team that they need a clear, forward-thinking strategy to solve their quarterback problem.

The QB Dilemma

The Titans’ quarterback situation is an open secret. While Tannehill remains the starter, it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall—Tannehill isn’t the long-term solution. Malik Willis, the Titans’ second-year quarterback, showed glimpses of potential, but also significant struggles in 2022. With that in mind, the Titans must seriously consider using their draft pick to select a franchise quarterback.

This is not just about bringing in a promising rookie to develop. The Titans need someone who can lead the team to future playoff success. While it’s possible that Ward is genuinely evaluating all options with the “best player available” narrative, the clear need for a quarterback cannot be ignored.

Ignoring the quarterback position in a year where the draft class is loaded with talent, such as Stroud and Young, would be a huge mistake. Yet, if the Titans go in another direction, drafting a top-tier offensive lineman or a wide receiver, it would only reinforce the notion that Ward is simply hiding his true intentions. And in such a crucial draft for the team’s future, the lack of transparency about the quarterback situation could undermine the faith fans and analysts have in Ward’s ability to build a successful team.

Fan Perception and Media Criticism

The Titans’ fan base is not one to be easily fooled. Fans understand the importance of the quarterback position and are well aware that the team cannot continue to operate with Tannehill as the face of the offense for much longer. If Ward fails to address this need, the backlash will be swift and unforgiving.

At the same time, the media will continue to scrutinize every decision made by Ward and the Titans. As the draft approaches, the pressure on the GM will only grow. By hiding behind the “best player available” mantra, Ward is leaving himself open to criticism from every angle. The Titans will need more than a vague draft philosophy to earn the trust of fans and analysts who have seen the team miss out on critical opportunities in past years.

The Broader Picture: Team Needs and Future Success

Ward’s attempt to camouflage his draft plans could ultimately be a disservice to the team. The Titans are in a position where they need to maximize their draft picks to address key needs, and while it’s important to select the best possible talent, the reality is that they cannot afford to ignore glaring weaknesses in favor of a “luxury” pick.

The Titans’ roster has strengths, notably in their defense and their running game, but it’s clear that the team needs to make some bold decisions to ensure sustained success in the future. The offensive line needs improvement, and the quarterback position must be addressed for the Titans to be competitive in the long term. Ward’s reluctance to admit this openly, hiding behind the “best player available” line, might help him deflect immediate pressure, but it won’t be enough to sustain the Titans’ hopes for a Super Bowl.