The Tennessee Titans appear to have made up their minds at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft – and it likely doesn’t include Shedeur Sanders.
According to reports, Tennessee’s decision to cancel a scheduled private workout with the Colorado quarterback is more than just a scheduling footnote – it’s a clear indicator of their growing confidence in another prospect.
“Take the Tennessee Titans’ decision to cancel their Wednesday workout with Shedeur Sanders for what it is,” TheMMQB’s Albert Breer said. “Plainly, my sense is it’s a powerful sign of the conviction they’ve built in Cam Ward’s worthiness as the first pick in 17 days.
“It also backs up what I’ve heard – that it would take a historic offer to move them to trade the pick and pass on the Miami quarterback.”
Ward, who transferred to the University of Miami after starring at Washington State, has emerged as the heavy favorite to be selected first overall.
Despite earlier speculation that the Titans might explore trade-down scenarios, Breer says they’ve never seriously considered moving out of the top spot.
“I’m not saying the Cleveland Browns are on the clock at No. 2 quite yet,” Breer continued. “But we’re getting there. And I think we’ll look back on this as being pretty remarkable in that the Titans came into the process not wanting to predetermine anything with the first pick.”
Breer added that Tennessee’s front office has been focused on securing a true franchise cornerstone – especially in a draft that may only offer a few blue-chip prospects.
“A trade was always unlikely, mostly because of the makeup of the draft class,” Breer added. “With the Titans’ roster being what it is, their revamped brass couldn’t afford to come out of April without a blue-chip centerpiece, be it a quarterback or otherwise.
“Since there appear to be just two non-quarterbacks at that level in the class – with a significant drop-off after (Travis) Hunter and (Abdul) Carter come off the board – the value of picks at Nos. 4, 5 and below is diminished significantly. Which would also kill any appetite the Titans have to drop past that line.”
Ward’s rapid rise isn’t just hype.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently highlighted his unique skill set, praising the quarterback’s movement and poise under pressure.
“Ward has the foot quickness to evade pressure and move in the pocket,” Bowen noted. “He keeps his eyes up as he slides or steps up to create a better throwing platform. His 46.8 QBR when under pressure ranked 10th in the FBS last season.”
Bowen also cited Ward’s quick release, instinctive decision-making, and creativity as reasons why he stands out in this class.
With just two weeks until the draft, all signs point toward the Titans planting their flag on Cam Ward – and not looking back.
Having said that, as unlikely as it may seem, Tennessee would of course answer the phone if another team – such as the New York Giants – comes calling for the top pick.
But as Breer and others have noted, if the Titans were to consider a trade, it would take a near-historic return to pull it off.
What are your thoughts on Tennessee being so locked-in on Ward at No. 1? … Assuming they draft him, do you think he will live up to the hype???
