Can Cam Ward Revitalize Tennessee? Analyzing the Titans’ Rookie QB’s Potential Impact in 2025
The Tennessee Titans are banking on rookie quarterback Cam Ward to be their franchise cornerstone for years to come. After a dismal 3-14 season in 2024, marked by the league’s worst passing grade, the Titans selected Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping he can alter the trajectory of a team that has endured three straight losing seasons. But can Ward truly revitalize the Titans and lead them back to contention?
A New Offensive Dawn
The Titans’ struggles in 2024 were largely attributed to inconsistent quarterback play. The “Will Levis experiment ultimately proved to be a failure,” according to Pro Football Focus. Tennessee finished dead last in team PFF passing grade (57.0) last season. This led to the decision to reset the quarterback position by drafting Cam Ward.
The arrival of Ward has sparked a sense of optimism. The Titans have placed significant faith in their quarterback’s ability to execute the new game plan. His growth and adaptability will be crucial in leading the team and making quick decisions under pressure.
Ward’s Collegiate Credentials
Ward’s path to the NFL was unconventional. A zero-star recruit out of high school, he began his college career at Incarnate Word, where he won the 2021 Jerry Rice Award as the most outstanding freshman in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. In 2021, he completed 384 of 590 passes for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns.
He then transferred to Washington State, where he started all 25 games over two seasons, amassing 6,963 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. His final stop was at the University of Miami, where he set single-season records for passing yards (4,313) and touchdowns (39). Ward was also named ACC Player of the Year and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Ward is known for his improvisational skills, arm elasticity, and football IQ. NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah describes him as a talented arm with a high ceiling. “He plays a very free-wheeling brand of football,” Jeremiah notes. “He drifts in his drop, throws from a variety of arm angles, and often falls away from the target upon release of the football.”
However, Ward’s unorthodox throwing style can lead to erratic ball placement. He also has a tendency to take too many sacks. According to PFF, his pressure grade is 56.5.
The Titans’ Offensive Overhaul
The Titans have made several moves to bolster their offense around Ward. They signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year, $4 million deal and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million contract. They also added guard Kevin Zeitler on a one-year, $9 million deal.
These additions are designed to give Ward the tools he needs to succeed. Moore will protect Ward’s blind side, while Zeitler will provide stability on the interior of the offensive line. Lockett will give Ward a reliable target in the passing game.
Competition at Quarterback
Despite the hype surrounding Ward, coach Brian Callahan is not handing him the starting job. The Titans are holding a competition between Ward and incumbent quarterback Will Levis.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reports that the Titans will gradually give Ward more first-team opportunities. Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer believes that Ward is the odds-on favorite to win the job. “Barring something unforeseen, Cam Ward will be a Week 1 starting quarterback,” Breer wrote.
Levis, for his part, is approaching the competition with a positive attitude. “I haven’t been a backup in a while, but I don’t plan on shifting my mindset, regardless of what the situation is,” Levis said.
Expectations for 2025
The Titans’ success in 2025 hinges on Ward’s development. If he can quickly adapt to the NFL game, the Titans could surprise some people.
Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman believes that Ward is the Titans’ reason for optimism. “Tennessee’s hope for success lies with first-overall pick Cam Ward,” Wasserman wrote. “By all accounts, Ward has looked the part during offseason team activities and has proven to be even more of a diligent worker than the Titans expected.”
However, it’s important to temper expectations. Ward is still a rookie, and he will likely experience growing pains. The Titans also have several other areas that need improvement, including their defense.
A Favorable Schedule
The Titans have a favorable schedule in 2025. They play in a weak division, and they have several winnable non-division games.
Stadium Rant believes that the Titans could win six to eight games in 2025. “Splitting their six divisional games and stealing victories against the Cardinals, Saints, and Patriots could push Tennessee to 6-8 wins, especially if their offense gels,” they wrote.
The Verdict
Cam Ward has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He has the arm talent, athleticism, and football IQ to succeed in the NFL. However, he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making.
The Titans have made several moves to support Ward, but they still have a long way to go before they can compete with the top teams in the league. If Ward can develop into the player they believe he can be, the Titans could be a playoff contender in the near future.