When the Tennessee Titans stepped up to the podium with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the decision to select Cam Ward was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. It was a bold move-taking a quarterback first overall always is-but it came with real debate.
Some wondered if trading back a couple spots with the New York Giants and grabbing extra draft capital for 2026 might’ve been the smarter long-term play. That alternate route would’ve meant ending up with either linebacker Abdul Carter or two-way standout Travis Hunter.
But now, with the regular season winding down, it’s becoming clear: the Titans made the right call.
Let’s start with the alternatives. Abdul Carter, a physical linebacker with sky-high potential, hasn’t exactly settled into the pro game the way many hoped.
Under Giants head coach Mike Kafka, Carter has found himself on the bench for two straight weeks, reportedly due to commitment issues. Late to meetings, missing others entirely-it’s not the kind of start you want from a top-three pick.
And while his first sack finally came in December, that’s far from the impact presence the Giants envisioned when they passed on a quarterback to take him.
Then there’s Travis Hunter. The Jaguars took a swing on the ultra-talented, two-way dynamo, trading a future first-rounder and additional assets to move up and grab him second overall.
On paper, it was a thrilling move. Hunter was a unicorn at Colorado, playing both cornerback and wide receiver at a high level.
But the NFL is a different animal. After just seven games, Hunter landed on season-ending injured reserve.
His final stat line-28 catches and 15 tackles-shows flashes of his versatility, but also highlights the concern many scouts had about his frame holding up under the physical toll of pro football. So far, those durability doubts are proving valid.
Meanwhile, back in Nashville, Cam Ward is giving the Titans something they’ve desperately needed: a reason to believe. No, his rookie campaign hasn’t been flawless.
He’s had his growing pains, and the win column doesn’t tell the full story. But the signs are there.
Ward is on track to complete 60% of his passes, rack up 3,500 total yards, and account for 12 touchdowns (against nine interceptions). Those numbers might not light up MVP ballots, but context matters-and Ward has been operating behind a shaky offensive line, with limited weapons, and under constant pressure.
Through it all, he’s shown poise, resilience, and leadership that’s resonated in the locker room.
That last part can’t be overstated. Ward’s work ethic and presence have already made him a cornerstone in the Titans’ rebuild.
He’s not just surviving-he’s setting a tone. And when you compare that to a linebacker struggling to stay on the field due to discipline issues, or a two-way star whose body may not be built for the NFL grind, it’s hard not to feel good about Tennessee’s choice.
Drafting a quarterback first overall is always a gamble. But if the early returns are any indication, the Titans didn’t just make the flashy pick-they made the right one.