The Tennessee Titans invested heavily in quarterback Cam Ward when they made him the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The media did not shy away from Ward either; many analysts had him as the top quarterback in the draft during the offseason.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick ranked Ward his top prospect for Day One of the draft back in April. Now two months removed from the draft, Riddick has compared Ward’s traits with those of three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
During an appearance on Nashville radio station 104.5 The Zone, Riddick claimed Ward is exactly what the Titans need and praised the team-building philosophy that Titans GM Mike Borgonzi has adopted.
Riddick sees shades of Mahomes in the way Ward plays the game physically and how that can lead to explosive playmaking.
“Patrick always described it as being like he’s playing baseball, like he’s just throwing the ball at first base,” said Riddick. “Well, Cam Ward does the same thing. He can do the same types of things. He has very similar arm horsepower to Patrick.”
Head Coach Bryan Callahan Shares Glowing Assessment
Riddick’s feelings on Ward as the franchise’s saviour are pinned on the physical traits, but also on the leadership and sportsmanship Ward displayed throughout minicamp.
Riddick wasn’t the only one to note the maturity and mental fortitude of Ward. Titans head coach Brian Callahan revealed what drew the team to select their new quarterback on draft night.
“He can move the ball with his feet. He can throw it. His release is one of the quickest releases I’ve seen, and he’s incredibly accurate. All the things you look for from a physical standpoint and mental standpoint showed up,” said Callahan.
Callahan worked as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, and as the quarterbacks coach for both the Oakland Raiders and the Detroit Lions before taking over in Tennessee.
His experience working with the likes of Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford and Derek Carr gives him unique insight into what makes a great quarterback.
While Callahan has come under fire during his tenure as head coach of the Titans, an upgrade at quarterback could improve his results. Will Levis was the only real option Callahan had at quarterback last season. The physical traits of Levis are strong, but his poor decision-making and understanding of the scheme were constantly at the forefront.
If Ward can grasp Callahan’s offensive system and cut down the 13 interceptions Levis threw last year, then maybe the Titans will finally have the leader they need.
Some voices call for balance in expectations set for QB Ward
On the flip side, Nashville-based sports journalist Paul Kuharsky is calling for fans to rein in their expectations for the new Titans quarterback.
Kuharsky noted that Levis was also physically impressive in his first off-season, and Ward has not been tested in anything more than seven-on-seven drills yet. Ward simply hasn’t been put through the gauntlet that NFL quarterbacks face every year, and only time will tell if he can handle that responsibility.
“Perhaps Ward will be that for Tennessee. But if I were a fan of the team, I’d be rooting for development and patiently watching it unfold instead of setting what are more likely to be unrealistic hopes,” said Kuharsky.
Lofty comparisons come with being the number one overall pick in the NFL, but maybe Kuharsky is right in tempering expectations. The last two number one overall picks, quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young, both struggled at times last season and both missed the playoffs.
“My suggestion: Ask for him to be better than Marcus Mariota as a rookie, with fewer sacks and better health, before counting on him to be mentioned with Patrick Mahomes,” said Kuharsky.
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