Tennessee Titans fans aren't the only ones excited to see quarterback Cam Ward join the organization.
Entering his second season in the NFL, linebacker James Williams Sr. is looking to carve out a role in Dennard Wilson's defense after spending the majority of his rookie campaign working on special teams.
On top of that, the 22-year-old linebacker is looking forward to working with Ward after their paths nearly crossed at Miami.
"But the first time I met Cam was here with the Titans," Williams said, via the team's website. "It was great to see us pick him. I could have played with him last year (at Miami but turned pro). And now, going into his rookie year, I am his teammate, and have a chance to play with him. It's a blessing. God put us together, and God is going to let us shine together."
Williams, a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, appeared in 13 games while making one start during his rookie season. He recorded 26 tackles (17 solo) and recovered one fumble. The 6-foot-4 linebacker played 14 percent of the defensive snaps and 77% of the special teams snaps during the games he was active.
Ward brings a lot of excitement to an organization that needed a change in direction after missing the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
While Williams will be competing against the No. 1 overall pick during training camp, it's no surprise he's excited to be on Ward's side once the season begins.
Titans Get Surprisingly High Madden NFL 26 Team Rating
Madden NFL 26 is still several weeks away from being released, but EA Sports has begun to let some info on the game trickle out. The Tennessee Titans were the worst team in the NFL last season, having finished with a 3-14 record and getting the No. 1 pick in the draft.
However, they may not be as bad as their record from last season would indicate. The team spent big money to upgrade the offensive line in free agency, and used the No. 1 pick to select former Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who should be a significant upgrade over Will Levis.
EA Sports seems to think that the Titans are going to be much better. They released the Madden NFL 26 beta team ratings for all 32 teams, and Tennessee has a rating of 80.
That gives them a higher rating than two playoff teams from last season: the Denver Broncos (79) and Washington Commanders (78). They're rated higher than five teams and are tied with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
Madden ratings obviously aren't a great indication of how good a team will be, but it does show that there's at least been an influx of talent. In fact, the Titans could be a popular pick for the most improved team in 2025.
If Ward is as good as advertised, Tennessee is not going to be the worst team in the NFL again. Considering the AFC South is such a weak division, getting in the playoff mix won't be impossible if Ward has a Jayden Daniels-type rookie season.
