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Cam Ward dazzles at pro day: Is QB the perfect match for Titans at No. 1?
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- Cam Ward dazzles at pro day: Is QB the perfect match for Titans at No. 1?
CORAL GABLES, Florida — Quarterback Cam Ward may hear his name called as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The only intrigue in the next month, if any, will be whether the Tennessee Titans choose him to lead their franchise or trade him to another team.
The latter appears less likely after Ward's performance at his University of Miami pro day on Monday.
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Ward was sharp and smooth, displaying his live arm talent while performing in front of scouts from all 32 teams during his workout.
At one point, Ward completed a pass to receiver Xavier Restrepo, and essentially told Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and president of football operations Chad Brinker to come and get him.
"I'm solidifying it today," Ward said of his words to the Titans brass and hopes of being the No. 1 pick.
"They finally got to see me throw in person. That should be all they need to see. But at the end of the day, whether they want to pick me or not, I'm going to be happy whatever team I go to. I'm just trying to play football."
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The Titans would be foolish to pass up on Ward, while the New York Giants would be wise to muster up the best trade package they possibly can and lure Ward away from them.
The Giants need a quarterback just like the Titans and Cleveland Browns do, but sit behind both franchises with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft.
Don't expect the Titans to budge much.
A proud franchise known for a tough defense while star running backs like Eddie George, Chris Johnson and Derrick Henry carried the load offensively, Ward would give the Titans a chance to air things out like Steve 'Air' McNair did, and potentially turn into a playoff contender again.
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And for the OG Oilers fans who haven't converted to the Texans and still cheer for the Titans – Ward grew up about 50 miles south of Houston in West Columbia, Texas.
Ward to the Titans certainly looks like a match destined to happen.
Ward's ascension to top pick consideration is remarkable considering his long-winded career, following two years at Incarnate Word, two years at Washington State and one season in Miami.
He was worthy of draft consideration a year ago, but likely would have fallen behind other quarterbacks in last year's class like Caleb Williams , Jayden Daniels , Michael Penix Jr. , Bo Nix and J.J. McCarthy .
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He's in a different air now.
He delivered the best single season in Miami's history last year, setting records for passing yards, completions, passing touchdowns and completion percentage.
He became the all-time FBS and FCS combined leader in passing touchdowns with 158, and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting after leading the Hurricanes to a 10-3 record last season.
"I just think every year I got better, and ultimately it led to me being in consideration," Ward said.
Ward tossed nearly 90 passes during his workout with just 11 incompletions, and about five of those passes were slightly off target. His downfield accuracy while rolling out to his left or right may be slightly shaky, but he'll be able to improve that with time and continuity with his new team.
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Here's what concerns Ward in the long run: Is he going to have enough time to make winning throws? Can he shore up his downfield accuracy? Will he have teammates who can help move the sticks or bail him out when he's a tad bit off?
And for the Titans: Can Ward outplay Patrick Mahomes like Jalen Hurts did in the Super Bowl or Joe Burrow has in the AFC title game? Can he contend for MVP with Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson ? Can he perform like Daniels, Nix and C.J. Stroud did as rookies? Will he reach his ceiling or be just another quarterback?
The Titans have less than a month to finalize whether they believe Ward has what it takes to provide those answers.
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While the Browns sent only two scouts to Ward's pro day, the Titans and Giants sent the cavalry with top coaches and personnel members in attendance to watch Ward work.
Giants coach Brian Daboll was not in attendance, but all three teams atop the draft are expected to have a 1-on-1 workout with Ward in the next week. Ward could also likely pay a visit up the road in Palm Beach early next week, where all 32 owners will convene at the annual NFL league meetings.
All this attention for a player who was ranked as a zero-star recruit with barely any offers to play in college.
Ward appears to be taking it all in stride.
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"I just think it comes back to me not forgetting where I came from," Ward said. "There was one point where I didn't have a camera looking at me, and now the whole world is looking at me. So, I carry myself a certain type of way. All I want to do is play football and be with my teammates. As long as I'm a good person, it'll work out in the long run."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cam Ward pro day: What his performance means for 2025 NFL Draft
