How Titans Rookie’s Unexpected Admiration for Cam Ward Could Change the Game

For weeks, it seemed like everyone already knew who was walking away as the top pick in the 2025 draft — Cam Ward. But here’s the kicker: despite that predictability, this kid hasn’t exactly been basking in the spotlight like you might expect. The Tennessee Titans’ rookie quarterback quietly turned heads during his initial snaps at rookie minicamp, showing leadership qualities that can’t be taught. Fellow rookies like tight end Gunnar Helm and receiver Chimere Dike are buzzing about how easy Ward is to connect with on and off the field, praising his commanding presence and pinpoint throws. Even receiver Elic Ayomanor noted Ward’s lightning-fast release — something that’s reshaping the way this rookie corps adapts. The Titans haven’t had a bona fide franchise QB since the days of Steve McNair, but if Ward starts living up to his draft hype, the AFC South might just have a new power player on its hands. Time will tell, but you better believe folks are about to get very familiar with Cam Ward’s game. <ahref="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/45085959/cam-ward-impressing-teammates-tennessee-titans-minicamp” target=”blank” rel=”noopener”>LEARN MORE

“Cam’s been great working with us receivers,” Dike said, per Davenport. “He’s a really good leader and has that presence on the field and throws the ball really well.”If Ward lives up to his draft position, plenty of people will have to get used to seeing what he can do. The Titans haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Steve McNair. If Ward can earn that title, the Titans could become a force in the AFC South, and a factor in upcoming postseasons.Rookie receiver Chimere Dike agreed.Titans quarterback Cam Ward generated some buzz during his first on-field work, at the Titans’ rookie minicamp.“He gets the ball out really fast,” Ayomanor said, “which is great and something I have to get used to.”

Rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor had a separate observation about Ward’s arm — and about the adjustment it will require.The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft hasn’t gotten the attention he deserves, mainly because there was little mystery — for weeks — that he’d be the first player selected.“He’s just a great leader,” rookie tight end Gunnar Helm said, via Turron Davenport of ESPN.com. “Super easy to talk to, super easy to connect with, super easy to communicate with on the field.”