Draft Projections Include Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans

As the 2025 NFL season winds down and the Tennessee Titans stare down a likely top-10 draft pick (thanks to their 3-7 start), draft analysts and insiders are increasingly linking the franchise to Cam Ward, the standout quarterback from the University of Washington. Ward, a two-year starter who led the Huskies to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft—praised for his arm strength, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure. Draft Projections Include Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans examines why Ward has become a top target for the Titans, how he fits their long-term quarterback plan (amid uncertainty around Will Levis), and what his arrival could mean for the franchise’s rebuild. For the Titans, drafting Ward isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about potentially securing a franchise quarterback who can lead them back to contention in the AFC South.

Draft Projections Include Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans begins with a deep dive into Ward’s college career, which has positioned him as a consensus first-round pick. In 2025, Ward threw for 4,200 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions, leading Washington to a 10-2 regular-season record. His signature trait is his precision in the intermediate passing game—he completed 72% of his passes between 10-20 yards, the highest rate among Power 5 quarterbacks—and his ability to extend plays with his legs (450 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns). What sets Ward apart from other prospects is his poise in high-stakes moments: he led Washington to four come-from-behind wins in 2025, including a last-minute touchdown drive against Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship. “Cam has that ‘it’ factor you look for in a franchise quarterback,” said Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN’s lead draft analyst. “He doesn’t get flustered when the pocket collapses, he makes smart decisions under pressure, and he has the arm to make every throw in the NFL playbook. That’s exactly what a team like the Titans needs to rebuild around.” For the Titans, Ward’s consistency and clutch performance are particularly appealing, given their struggles with turnover-prone play at the quarterback position this season.

A key reason Ward is projected to the Titans is his alignment with the team’s quarterback uncertainty. While the Titans turned to Will Levis midseason (replacing the struggling Ryan Tannehill), Levis has shown flashes of potential but also critical flaws—including 5 interceptions and 3 fumbles in his first 4 starts. The Titans’ front office has not yet committed to Levis as their long-term starter, and a top-10 pick gives them the chance to upgrade the position with a prospect like Ward, who many analysts view as a more polished and reliable option. Ward’s playing style also fits the Titans’ roster: he excels at working with tight ends and running backs in short-yardage situations, which would complement Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry (if the Titans re-sign him) and young tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. “The Titans have pieces to build a solid offense—Henry, Okonkwo, wide receiver Treylon Burks—but they need a quarterback who can tie it all together,” said NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. “Cam Ward can do that. He’s not a project; he’s a ready-to-start QB who can make an immediate impact, which is exactly what the Titans need to speed up their rebuild.” Draft Projections Include Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans notes that even if the Titans stick with Levis, drafting Ward could provide valuable competition and depth—a luxury they currently lack at the position.

Draft Projections Include Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans also delves into how Ward’s arrival would impact the Titans’ overall rebuild strategy. The Titans’ biggest needs beyond quarterback include offensive line help (they’ve allowed 32 sacks this season, 22nd in the NFL) and defensive upgrades (particularly at cornerback and edge rusher). However, quarterbacks are the most valuable position in football, and passing on a prospect like Ward for a positional need could set the franchise back years—especially if Levis fails to develop. For the Tennessee Titans, drafting Ward would signal a clear commitment to winning now while building for the future: he could start immediately, giving the offense a consistent leader, and allow the front office to address other needs in later rounds or free agency. “When you have a chance to draft a franchise quarterback, you take it—even if you have other holes,” said a Titans team insider. “Cam Ward has the potential to be the face of this franchise for the next decade. You don’t pass on that opportunity, especially when you’re in the middle of a rebuild.” Ward’s presence could also help the Titans retain key players: Henry, for example, might be more willing to re-sign if he knows he’ll be playing with a talented young quarterback who can take pressure off the running game.

Another factor driving Ward’s projection to the Titans is the support he’d receive from the team’s next head coach (currently being searched for after Mike Vrabel’s firing). Most of the top coaching candidates linked to the Titans—including Ben Johnson (Lions OC) and Frank Reich (former Colts HC)—have a history of developing young quarterbacks. Johnson, for instance, turned Jared Goff into a Pro Bowler; Reich helped Carson Wentz and Philip Rivers thrive. Ward’s polished skill set would fit seamlessly into Johnson’s rhythm-based offense or Reich’s balanced attack, making him an even more attractive pick for a coaching staff looking to hit the ground running. For the Tennessee Titans, pairing Ward with a quarterback-friendly coach could accelerate his development and turn the offense into a force in the AFC South. “The coach-quarterback relationship is make-or-break for a young QB,” said Kiper Jr. “The Titans are likely to hire someone who can maximize Cam’s potential, which makes this pairing even more logical. It’s a win-win: the coach gets a talented QB to build around, and Cam gets a mentor who can help him succeed in the NFL.”

Draft Projections Include Cam Ward for the Tennessee Titans concludes with what drafting Ward would mean for the Titans’ future fanbase and franchise identity. After a disappointing 2025 season, the Titans need a spark to reignite fan interest—something a young, exciting quarterback like Ward could provide. His college success and marketability would boost ticket sales, jersey revenue, and overall engagement, which have declined in recent months. Beyond off-field impact, Ward’s leadership could unify a fractured locker room that has struggled with morale since the midseason shakeup. For the Tennessee Titans, drafting Ward is about more than football—it’s about restoring pride in a franchise that has a history of winning (including a Super Bowl appearance in 1999) but has lost its way in recent years. “Cam Ward represents hope,” said the Titans insider. “Hope that we can get back to winning, hope that we can compete with the Jaguars and Texans in our division, and hope that this rebuild doesn’t drag on forever. That’s why he’s the right pick for us.” As draft season approaches, all signs point to the Titans making Ward a top priority—a decision that could define their franchise for years to come.