NFL Draft Notebook: Why the Tennessee Titans should take Cam Ward No.1 overall

The regular season is officially in the books, and the top 18 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft are now locked in. With the Tennessee Titans holding the coveted No. 1 overall selection, all eyes are on their likely choice of a quarterback. Among the top contenders, Miami’s Cam Ward stands out as the best option for Tennessee to rebuild around.

In this edition of NFL Draft Notebook, we not only explore why Ward is the perfect fit for the Titans but also examine other key quarterback storylines. From uncovering this year’s top sleeper prospect to naming the most overrated quarterback in the class, highlighting a potential Day 2 steal, and much more, this edition is all about the most important position in football.

Cam Ward should go No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Tennessee Titans secured the No. 1 overall pick last week after watching the New England Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills. Now, the Titans face a pivotal decision: selecting the better quarterback between Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. While Sanders had an exceptional season for the Buffaloes, showcasing elite accuracy, a closer evaluation reveals why Cam Ward should be Tennessee’s choice.

The primary reason Ward should don a Titans uniform next season is his undeniable upside compared to Sanders. Ward possesses the strongest arm in the 2025 NFL Draft, enabling him to make every throw required in an NFL offense. His elite arm strength forces defenses to reconsider single-high safety looks due to the vertical passing threat he presents. Beyond the deep ball, Ward demonstrates impressive zip on his throws, allowing him to fit passes into tight windows.

Ward also stands out as an elite athlete. As a runner, he combines power and speed, capable of breaking tackles and ripping off long runs. His athleticism extends to the passing game, where he excels in sprint-out situations, displaying the ability to throw accurately on the run from different arm angles or scramble for significant yardage when necessary.

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One of Ward’s most compelling attributes is his year-over-year improvement. Beginning his career at the FCS level, he has consistently elevated his performance. Both his Pro Football Focus grade and NFL quarterback rating have improved each year, with the exception of 2022, when he transitioned from FCS to FBS football after transferring to Washington State. This season, Ward’s draft stock has skyrocketed from a projected Day 2 selection at the start of the season to the favorite for the number one overall pick.

While Ward’s potential is immense, the Titans must be patient as he refines his game. His footwork is inconsistent, often relying on freelance movements rather than delivering throws on rhythm. This will need to be addressed at the NFL level. Additionally, Ward sometimes forces deep throws instead of taking easier completions in the short and intermediate passing game.

To maximize Ward’s potential, the Titans must build around him strategically. Establishing a strong running game will help alleviate pressure and create opportunities for play-action passes. Adding more speed at the wide receiver position will also enhance Ward’s ability to exploit his arm strength by stretching defenses vertically.

If Tennessee takes these steps, Ward has all the tools to develop into a franchise quarterback within a few years, making him the ideal choice for the Titans with the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sleeper of the Week

Going into the 2024 season, expectations were sky-high for Florida quarterback Graham Mertz. He had an impressive 2023 campaign, completing 73% of his passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns, and throwing just three interceptions all season. Mertz also etched his name into the Gators' record books, setting marks for consecutive passes without an interception (239), consecutive completions (19), and the best single-season completion percentage in program history at 72.9% (261 of 358). These achievements stood out even more considering Florida’s rich history of potent passing offenses under Steve Spurrier in the 1990s.

Unfortunately, Mertz's 2024 season didn’t unfold as he hoped. He struggled in the season opener against Miami, managing just 91 passing yards on 55% completion with one interception. Compounding these struggles were injuries, including a concussion in Week 2 and a season-ending knee injury in early November against Tennessee.

Despite a disappointing final college season, Mertz could be a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft. His arm strength is among the best in the class, allowing him to deliver passes with velocity and hit deep shots downfield. In 2023, he excelled under pressure, earning Pro Football Focus's highest grade for a draft-eligible quarterback in such situations (80.5). Over the past two seasons, he showcased his ability to limit turnovers, throwing 26 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

Mertz is more than just a passer. He’s an underrated athlete who can throw on the move or escape the pocket to gain yards with his legs. His leadership and character also stand out. Florida freshman quarterback D.J. Lagway has praised Mertz for mentoring him, and Mertz earned the GatorMade Danny Wuerffel “Man of the Year” award, which honors exemplary character and leadership. 

"Graham is one of the more impressive young men I’ve ever been around, one of my favorite players to coach. I respect the example, I respect the standards he sets for the entire organization."

Florida Head Coach Billy Napier

However, there are concerns about Mertz’s game. His accuracy can be inconsistent, often forcing receivers to adjust rather than hitting them in stride. Ball security is another issue, as he recorded six fumbles in 2023. He’ll need to improve his pocket mechanics to address this at the NFL level. Finally, his injury history will undoubtedly raise red flags, making positive medical evaluations crucial during the pre-draft process.

Currently, NFL Mock Draft Database ranks Mertz as the 347th overall prospect, suggesting he may go undrafted. However, NFL Draft Notebook grades him as a sixth-round talent, making him a potential steal. Mertz’s combination of raw tools, leadership, and high character could make him an ideal developmental quarterback and a valuable backup in the NFL.

NFL Draft news and notes

Where does Sanders rank: Miami quarterback Cam Ward currently holds the top spot on NFL Draft Notebook’s quarterback rankings, but Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders isn’t far behind. Sanders enters the offseason ranked as the second-best quarterback on the board, with a top-15 overall grade. His ranking is driven by his exceptional accuracy, which allows him to consistently deliver catchable passes, setting up his receivers for significant yardage after the catch. However, Sanders remains behind Ward due to questions surrounding his pocket awareness and his arm strength, which is considered average.

Great mid-round value: Deciding on this year’s Quarterback Sleeper of the Week was no easy task, with both Graham Mertz and Syracuse’s Kyle McCord making strong cases. Ultimately, Mertz earned the honor due to his status as a less-heralded prospect. However, don’t overlook McCord’s potential to become one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, even though he’s currently viewed as a mid-round pick. McCord’s breakout season with Syracuse has been nothing short of remarkable, as he led the NCAA in passing yards. What truly stands out is his fundamentally sound play, highlighted by impressive footwork and one of the smoothest throwing motions in college football. Beyond his mechanics, McCord’s accuracy will undoubtedly catch the attention of scouts, particularly when he has a clean pocket to work from.

Most overrated quarterback: Jalen Milroe of Alabama is a polarizing prospect in this year's draft class. While some analysts project him as a top-five pick, NDN’s draft board assigns him a third-round grade. It’s easy to understand the excitement surrounding his skillset—Milroe is the most dynamic runner among this year’s quarterbacks and possesses one of the strongest arms in the class. However, he remains an unpolished passer, and his current skillset limits the type of offense he can excel in. Milroe would likely struggle in a traditional timing-based passing system and would instead thrive in an offense similar to Philadelphia’s, which emphasizes quarterback runs. Key concerns about his passing include inconsistent accuracy, difficulty reading defenses, and unrefined footwork.

Change of mind: Entering the 2024 season, Carson Beck was widely regarded as a top NFL prospect, with some outlets, including CBS Sports, projecting him as a potential number one overall pick. Unfortunately, a disappointing 2024 campaign has caused his stock to plummet, with NFL Draft Notebook now assigning him a third-round grade. This dramatic fall from grace culminated in Beck’s recent decision to transfer to Miami. A key factor in Beck’s decline was his inability to perform under pressure, which led to a sharp increase in turnovers, as he doubled his interception total from the previous season. His accuracy also regressed, prompting speculation that his standout 2023 season was heavily bolstered by elite supporting talent like tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Adding to the concerns are questions about Beck’s leadership and whether he has the poise and command needed to succeed as an NFL quarterback.