Tennessee Titans pin turnaround hopes on Cam Ward
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The Titans selected Cam Ward with the first pick of the NFL Draft, pinning their hopes of revival on a creative, playmaking quarterback who brings a completely new vibe to the East Bank of the Cumberland River.
Why it matters: The best version of the Titans the last two decades was a gritty, lunchpail brand of football that featured sturdy defense and rushing attacks led by battering rams Eddie George and Derrick Henry.
- Ward's flamboyant style of quarterback play adds a splash of neon that fits well in an internationally renowned entertainment city like Nashville.
Zoom in: Though he was selected first, Ward did not enter the draft regarded as the best overall project.
- Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah with NFL.com ranked Ward as the No. 8 prospect. The Athletic's draft expert Dane Brugler slotted Ward in at No. 13 overall.
- The analysts laud Ward's approach to the position. Jeremiah says Ward "plays a very free-wheeling brand of football."
- Brugler complimented Ward as a "bold passer; not afraid to thread the needle or push downfield." Both experts say Ward has a howitzer of a throwing arm.
Flashback: Ward took a circuitous route to being the draft's top pick. He wasn't heavily recruited out of high school and played his first two seasons at the small school Incarnate Word.
- He transferred to Washington State and played well, but still wasn't regarded as a promising draft prospect until arriving at his third school Miami.
- Ward threw four 4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns and finished as Heisman Trophy finalist.
Between the lines: New Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi chose to pair Ward with second-year coach Brian Callahan, who has experience developing quarterbacks.
- Callahan played an integral role in the development of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
- Ward joins a quarterback group in Nashville that includes last year's starter Will Levis and journeyman backup Brandon Allen.
What we're watching: The Titans have more holes than just quarterback. The offensive needs more talent along the offensive line and better receiving options to help Ward along. The defense needs more pass rushers, analysts say.
- In the second round, the Titans have the No. 35 pick, which is third overall, to try to fill those holes.