If there was one word to describe Cam Ward it would be electric. After a record-setting in 2024 with the Miami Hurricanes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is entering his first season with the Tennessee Titans with high expectations, one of which is to end the Will Levis song in the Music City.
In forgoing the 2024 NFL Draft and returning to college, Ward made a huge bet on himself that paid off. In passing for 4,313 yards with 39 touchdowns, Ward not only established himself as a top Heisman Trophy candidate, but he was also by and far the top quarterback entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Is he a franchise quarterback?
The jury is out, but with his dynamic ability as a passer and his natural leadership, Ward could very well follow the footsteps of CJ Stroud and Jayden Daniels in turning his team around in Year 1. There is a lot of pressure for him to not only beat out Levis, but to transcend the franchise immediately. With the weight of the team on his shoulders, can Ward translate his elite level of play to the NFL level?
Coach’s quotes: What trait Brian Callahan likes about Cam Ward
Following the selection of Ward, Titans head coach Brian Callahan was glowing with excitement over the team’s top pick. Obviously hyped up about the physical traits and talent Ward brings to the table, one trait that the Titans head coach glamoured about was his natural leadership ability.
"To me, it's the leadership ability and the way he's able to make those around him better. That to me is a huge part of the position. And that's what I think ultimately separates—there's a lot of talented players, a lot of guys that can throw the football, a lot of guys that can play the position. But the guys that transcend have a unique ability to connect with their teammates and then raise the level of everyone around them. I think that's what he has shown to do really at every stop he's been and hopefully that continues here."
That ability to help players around him get better should help the Titans become a factor in a AFC South division that could turn out to be an entertaining one, especially if Ward is able to showcase his arm talent with clutch and poise. If he does, could he put forth the best rookie season in franchise history?
Can Ward set a record in his rookie season?
Ward threw for over 4,000 yards during his final season with the Hurricanes. If he comes anywhere close to that during his first season in Tennessee, he will set the franchise record for passing yards by a rookie quarterback surpassing Warren Moon (3,338 yards). The bold prediction here is that he will playing under an offensive minded coach like Callahan.
Ward also has offensive weapons like Calvin Ridley Jr., Tyler Lockett, Treylon Burks and interesting rookie playmakers like Chimere Kike, Elic Ayomanor and tight end Gunnar Helm to get the ball to. With his ability to emphasize, Ward will need to rely on his arm at times to get the ball down field, but he also has running backs capable of catching the ball out of the backfield to dump the ball to like Tony Pollard.
In all, setting a rookie record in passing yards for the Titans isn’t a bold feat. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, threw over 3,500 yards entering the league in a similar situation as far as offensive approach. As far as a career jumpstart, breaking Moon’s record would be a nice introduction to the NFL.