NFL analyst sees shades of Steve McNair in Tennessee Titans' Cam Ward

Every season, a new class of rookies enters the NFL and immediately is met with comparisons and expectations. The exercise isn’t just done by fans, as analysts pore through years of notes to come up with the perfect match.

This season is no different, and of course, the Tennessee Titans' selection of Cam Ward is no exception. And many comparisons have been made. But for some analysts, his leadership style and work ethic bring back memories of one of Tennessee’s all-time greats.

Rob Rang of Fox Sports recently completed this comparison exercise and believes that Ward has the potential to lead the Titans into rarified air, with similarities to Steve McNair.

Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward — Steve McNair

It goes without saying that as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the Titans are expecting Ward to become a star and perhaps someday guide this team back to the Super Bowl, in much the same way that the late McNair did for this franchise. Ward isn’t the bulldozing runner McNair was, but he’s fantastically slippery in the pocket and possesses both the downfield vision and deep ball accuracy to light a fire under a dormant fan base.

 

Ward and McNair may have different skill sets, but both were known for their work ethic and leadership traits entering their NFL careers. While McNair’s impact on Nashville will never be duplicated, Ward does have the ability to help the Titans transcend mediocrity and become viable contenders.

Like McNair, Ward does bring a sense of excitement and hope to the franchise, and all signs have been positive to this point. Yes, there is still a long way to go before this comparison can become a reality, but the foundation is already being laid with hard work and intangibles that cannot be duplicated.

Titans' Cam Ward Doesn't Act Like a Rookie

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward is a few weeks away from his first NFL training camp, but he has already made a massive impression since being taken with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft.

Ward has made his mark in OTA's and minicamp both on and off the field, proving he has what it takes to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

Bleacher Report writer Damian Parson praised Ward for the start of his offseason coming into the league.

"After completing mandatory minicamp, Cam Ward is proving why he was the first overall pick this year," Parson wrote.

"The Tennessee Titans needed a facelift after the disappointing results from their Will Levis experiment. In comes Ward, a mentally tough and physically gifted passer with a gunslinger mentality. During the spring and early-summer workouts, Ward has displayed the high-octane arm strength to fire passes into tight windows with immense velocity."

"Ward's confidence and competitive nature shine in practices and the locker room, and his demeanor is rubbing off on those around him. This is important considering they drafted multiple rookie pass-catchers to grow with him in this offense."

"... He carries himself like a veteran. From leadership and raw talent to his quick command of the offense, Ward’s arrow is pointing up."

Ward doesn't act like a rookie, and that puts the Titans in good shape. They likely won't need to deal with the growing pains of having a rookie learn how to play in the league.

Ward has five years of college experience starting games, and that should come into play in his first season in the league.

Ward and the Titans are taking a few weeks off before returning to the team's practice facility on July 22 for the start of training camp.