Cam Ward is already showing why the Tennessee Titans made him the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This week’s Rookie Report spotlights how Ward is establishing himself as a leader, the ideal fit for Texans tackle Aireontae Ersery, and two late-round picks—tight end Oronde Gadsden II and wideout Jimmy Horn Jr.—who are turning heads during mini-camps.
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Taking charge
All signs out of Titans camp point to first overall pick Cam Ward looking like the franchise quarterback Tennessee hoped for. He’s already standing out as a leader, meeting with teammates at 5 a.m. to study film and confidently coaching up receivers on route details. On the field, he’s flashing the arm strength and mobility that earned him 2024 ACC Player of the Year honors.
Ersery’s best position in the NFL
Houston Texans second-round pick Aireontae Ersery is getting reps at both left and right tackle during mini-camps. It’s not a shock, given the Texans’ ongoing issues across the offensive line. Still, his long-term fit should be clear. Ersery profiles best as a right tackle. He’s more of a physical road grader than a nimble pass protector, making the right side a better match for his skill set. With his strength in the run game and ability to anchor, that’s where he’ll likely make the biggest impact.
Oronde Gadsden II could have a big impact this season
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II is already outperforming his fifth-round draft status. He has been a consistent presence in the passing game during mini-camp, including a standout session where he hauled in seven catches on Day 2. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman praised his early showing, saying, “He’s flashing some really good things.” That pass-catching ability is no surprise to those who watched him at Syracuse, where he set school records for tight ends with 141 career receptions and 1,970 yards. Gadsden’s size and skill make him a difficult matchup in coverage and a big reason why he carried a third-round grade on my board.
Another day three pick impressing
Another late-round rookie making an early impression is Carolina Panthers sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. His quickness has stood out throughout mini-camp, with head coach Dave Canales noting, “He’s got a real burst off the line and into his routes.” That explosiveness showed up in college at both South Florida and Colorado, where Horn routinely turned short passes into big gains. He’s tracking toward meaningful snaps as a backup slot receiver this season.
Least impactful first-round pick
I’ve been critical of the Bengals' first-round selection of Shemar Stewart for months, and I’m not alone. FanSided’s John Buhler recently called him the first-round pick likely to make the least impact this season and even said, “this might end up being the worst pick in the first round.” It’s a tough outlook for Stewart, who never produced much as a pass rusher at Texas A&M and is now refusing to practice until his contract is signed. That holdout only further hurts his already slim chances of contributing early.