NFL Insider Drops Head-Turning Year 1 Possibility For Cam Ward, Titans

When it comes to generating buzz as a No. 1 overall pick, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward just doesn’t compare to those who came before him.

Don’t get it twisted, though. That’s not to say the Miami product isn’t good or won’t be good at the next level. But as NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport recently noted, Ward is “boring,” and he meant it in the best possible way.

The Titans must love how much they are flying under the radar in Ward’s first training camp as a professional. There hasn’t been much buzz, certainly not compared to what we saw a year ago around Caleb Williams in Chicago. Ward has quietly went about his business and the only time he’s really made headlines was for a press conference answer that went semi-viral in which he talked about how his father’s work ethic rubbed off on him.

Again, not bad at all.

Cam Ward Impressing Even Without Much Hype

Ultimately, Ward — and the rest of the Titans — will have to show they’re capable of improving in 2025 and beyond. But on a recent episode of the “Lots to Say With Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel” podcast, Rapoport earnestly wondered whether Ward and the Titans could have a season that plays out like Jayden Daniels‘ first season with the Washington Commanders.

“I look at this place, and I look at the Commanders last year, and I think the Commanders were probably a little more stable with a little more talent than this team, but not significant,” Rapoport said on the podcast. “In the ballpark. Maybe you have some players playing a little better than expected, so maybe some of the talent is somewhat similar.

“If Jayden Daniels can come in and lead that team to the playoffs, then considering the expectations of Cam Ward — considering from what I’ve heard today talking to coaches, players, people around him all the time, executives — the expectations are really high. They’ve been more than pleased with what they’ve seen. This team will have the chance to win some games. Will it? I don’t know. Commanders needed a bunch of help, too. … I’d be surprised if this team is at least not a lot better than last year.”

If Ward is anywhere near as good as Daniels is, then it’s not inconceivable to believe the Titans could take a massive step forward. Tennessee won three games and got subpar quarterback play from Will Levis and Mason Rudolph. It would be hard for them to not look improved. But Daniels proved it can be done.

Are Cam Ward-Jayden Daniels Comparisons Fair?

Granted, Ward can only do so much, and Daniels certainly benefited from what was around him. But the Titans were smart about how they added in the offseason. They addressed the offensive line, which was the biggest issue. It’s not unrealistic to think Calvin Ridley could be his Terry McLaurin. There’s also a good, deep running back room equipped with dual-threat players.

In some ways, there’s more pressure on head coach Brian Callahan than Ward or anyone else in the locker room. The pieces are starting to be put in place. Now, Callahan has to move it forward the way Dan Quinn did in his first season in D.C.

“Nothing is by accident. Everything is calculated,” Rapoport said. “He seems to have incredible awareness. On the field, you can see it. Today there were a couple of plays where it was “Oh, boy.” And then off the field obviously, too. That’s real stuff.”