Did Cam Ward just solidify himself as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with his performance at the University of Miami Pro Day on Monday?
If there was any doubt for the Tennessee Titans to make him the top player off the board, it should be settled. The dual-threat quarterback stepped up in the spotlight of his throwing session and delivered.
One of his eye-pooping throws was this deep out-and-up bomb to wide receiver Xaiver Restrepo. Ward not only showed off his ability to roll out of the pocket, but he also showcased his arm talent in delivering with accuracy down the field.
Cam Ward setting himself apart as the top QB prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft
In setting a school record with 4,313 yards passing in 2024, Ward established himself as one of the top two quarterbacks entering the draft. He may have pulled away with his Pro Day performance and his confidence in his ability. If the Titans have any doubt, Ward communicated with both his arm and own words that he is the man.
In an interview with NFL Network, Ward said his message to Titans president Chad Brinker and General Manager Mike Borgonzi was:
“I said I’m solidifying it today. I made sure they heard it.”
Like he did all season long at Miami, Ward threw dimes and made it very clear its him at quarterback and then everyone else (including Shedeur Sanders).
Patriots positioned to take the “best player available” at No. 4
If the NFL draft board plays out as expected and Ward is selected No. 1 overall by the Titans, that should push either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter down to the Patriots at No. 4.
What will the team do if either player is there to for the taken? According to Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, the team will take the best player available even if that player does not fill their biggest need.
“The best player available is going to be the way it is,” Wolf said via Masslive’s Karen Guregian when pressed about the team’s draft approach. “Maybe we went for need a little bit too much last year. Obviously, that culminated in us drafting Drake May, so it wasn’t all bad.
“But, just moving forward, it’s taking the best player, and understanding that we’ve filled a lot of needs already in free agency.”
Two needs that weren’t filled was left tackle and a top wide receiver. Hunter could secure that wide receiver need if he commits to spending most of his time on the offensive side of the ball. As far as Carter goes, would a dream scenario that would give Vrabel and the Patriots a stout front seven be more of a value than drafting a tackle like Will Campbell?
Those are big questions in which the team could also have benefit in trading back from No. 4, still draft Campbell or Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and accumulate more Day 2 or Day 3 picks.That could be the best scenario for a team with many holes to fill, although a Carter or Hunter would give them the top-notch talent they are starving for.