Cam Ward — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Ward's been my top pick for the Titans since they secured the No. 1 overall selection because elite quarterback play is required to make it through the AFC gauntlet. His four-plus years of starting experience at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami are a major asset, as are his playmaking ability and toughness.

At this point it'd be more of a surprise if the first pick isn't Cam Ward, though that doesn't necessarily mean it'll be the Titans making the selection. That said, if Tennessee does want a new QB, its better off holding onto the pick and taking Ward.

The no-doubt QB1 of this draft class. Ward's combination of calm demeanor and creativity makes him a fun watch, with a higher floor than you'd think. The Titans beefed up their offensive line and could nab another weapon later in the draft to pair with Calvin Ridley and create a fairly healthy ecosystem to drop Ward into.

The transition is complete, from suggestions early in the offseason that the Titans were looking to bail out of this spot and pick up much-needed draft capital — or take Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter after signing a veteran QB starter — to the reality that Ward is the guy. The veteran market may have something to do with that. The lack of urgency of potential trade partners may have something to do with it. But the Titans clearly grew enamored with Ward as they got to know him during the process and listened to him talk through film that is both exciting and a bit too risky at times. This organization successfully drafted one franchise quarterback high in the draft: Steve McNair in 1995. Ward follows Vince Young, Jake Locker and Marcus Mariota in the list of attempts over 30 years since then. — Joe Rexrode

As we inch closer to the draft, it's beginning to look more and more likely that Ward will be the first overall pick, whether it's to the Titans or one of the QB-needy teams that sit close behind them in the order, if one were to trade up to No. 1. In this case, Tennessee stays put and gets a fresh start at the position.

With Tommy DeVito as the only quarterback currently on the roster, it isn't a matter of if the Giants make a move at this point, but when and for whom. Adding a veteran like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson could serve as the proverbial Band-Aid, but this club needs a long-term solution. Ward has more boom-and-bust traits than most quarterbacks in position to be the first pick of an NFL Draft, but he offers an exciting upside. He leaves college football as the all-time passing touchdowns champion (158) and his steady improvement as a passer is undeniable. He'd add an immediate buzz to a franchise needing it.

The Titans' actions in free agency -- or lack thereof at the quarterback position -- hint they're going to draft Ward with the No. 1 pick.

The Titans need a quarterback. Ward has continued to impress after the NFL Scouting Combine and throughout this entire process. I think his top end is very good. I've loved Ward for a long time, even back to his time at Washington State. It was a great signing for Miami, and he's just got enough gunslinger in him to really go out there to take a bad team and improve it — because he's willing to take chances. He's going to be willing to go out there and go put it on the line. The Titans have bulked up their offensive line in free agency, but they're not going anywhere without a QB.

We're still not 100 percent sure what the Titans will do. They could try to trade this pick to a QB-needy team such as the Giants. Tennessee could opt for one of the top two prospects in the class in Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Both players would fill holes on the roster. But it sure seems the stars are starting to align for Tennessee to draft its next franchise QB.

Will Levis is still under contract, but he ranked last in the NFL in QBR last season at 27.8. And the Titans' only QB-related move in free agency was replacing Mason Rudolph with Brandon Allen. Ward's ability to improvise under center, throw lasers to his receivers and pick up the occasional first down with his legs would be welcome in Nashville. He led the FBS in touchdown passes in 2024 with 39.

It's either stay and take Cam Ward or trade out. Is new general manager Mike Borgonzi really going to hitch his wagon to what we've seen from Will Levis so far?

For all the speculation and assumptions about Tennessee's plans at quarterback, the tea leaves now that free agency has opened are giving "Quarterback." And, in this class, there's really only one option to be the pick if you're going to go that route at No. 1 overall.