The Tennessee Titans finished the 2024 season with an extremely disappointing 3-14 record.
Titans fans had reasonable cause for optimism following the hiring of head coach Brian Callahan along with a free agent spending spree ($224 million) and a promising draft class. Although Callahan had no prior head coaching experience or even play-calling experience, he is widely regarded around the league as a “quarterback whisperer,” helping to develop Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow and previously working with Derek Carr (Raiders), Matthew Stafford (Lions), and Peyton Manning (Broncos).
Callahan’s reputation brought hope to the Titans’ fanbase that second-year quarterback Will Levis would take a step forward in 2024. While Levis did show flashes of improvement, he ultimately committed too many turnovers (18, tied for most) and failed to finish games that were within grasp (six of 10 losses started by Levis within 10 points).
With this in mind, most draft analysts believe the Titans will select a quarterback at No. 1 overall. Let’s examine the possibilities.
1. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Analysis: In a quarterback class that lacks top-tier talent compared to last year’s draft, Ward is one of two prospects considered worthy of a top-five pick. A Heisman Trophy finalist in 2024, Ward, who began his college career at Catholic University of the Incarnate Word, plays with a chip on his shoulder and is widely regarded as the quarterback with the highest ceiling in the 2025 draft class. Ward has the ability to make every throw at multiple arm angles and has great mobility and play-making ability. The biggest area he needs to improve is his tendency to play “hero ball.” Ward is extremely confident in his deep ball ability, sometimes to his detriment, and he forces the ball into dangerous situations that will certainly lead to many turnovers in the NFL if left unchecked.
Prediction: This is looking more and more like the most likely option. Callahan made it very clear that there will be a quarterback competition this offseason. Simultaneously, newly-hired general manager Mike Borgonzi has stated that Levis will have a real opportunity to compete for the starting job this offseason. However, the lack of any significant move in free agency indicates that drafting a quarterback is a very likely option. Tennessee did sign veteran Brandon Allen, who previously served as Joe Burrow’s backup under Callahan, but he hardly figures to be the Titans’ quarterback of the future. Cam Ward may be “the guy.”
Star: Cam Ward throws a 70-YARD bomb and NAILS the crossbar.
Ward has the potential to be the face of the league.
😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/4Mkk42UZ9A
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 5, 2025
2. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Analysis: Sanders is the other potential top-five pick in this year’s slim quarterback class. While Ward is said to have the highest ceiling, Sanders is believed to have the highest floor. His strengths include pinpoint accuracy and impeccable timing. He undoubtedly enjoyed a very solid college career; however, many believe Sanders was the product of a great scheme, making his weaknesses easier to exploit in the NFL. His weaknesses seem to conflict with Callahan’s stated philosophy of what makes a great quarterback. Sanders checks the boxes for toughness, decision-making, and accuracy, but he misses the mark on arm strength and mobility.
Prediction: Sanders has an excellent opportunity to be a very good quarterback in the NFL. Yet, he lacks the “generational talent” that Borgonzi said the Titans are seeking at the No. 1 pick. For the reasons stated above, the Titans seem more likely to select Ward over Sanders.
Some crazy Shedeur Sanders stats 🔥
– 81 completion % with clean pocket (#1 in Draft)
– 70% on target rate on throws of 10+ yards (#2 in Draft)
– 70% completion % (#1 in Draft
– 10.6 yards per attempt (#1 in Draft)
– 10% TD Rate (#1 in Draft)
Don’t overthink it ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/ck3PPcpdLH
— 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙌 (@clehqsports) March 14, 2025
3. Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
Analysis: Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter completed the most remarkable college football season in 2024. Hunter is considered a top cornerback and top wide receiver prospect after logging 1,422 total snaps (709 offensive, 713 defensive, 118 total per game) during his junior season at Colorado. Hunter presented himself as a cornerback for the draft after previously being designated as “athlete,” a term for players who play multiple positions. He has great hands, explosiveness, and jaw-dropping playmaking ability. However, the fact that there have been numerous “freak athletes” in college whose game has not translated to the NFL gives general managers cause for concern about the value of selecting Hunter at No. 1 overall. Hunter has the potential to become an All-Pro corner who also makes plays on offense in special packages.
Prediction: Travis Hunter is a very unlikely candidate to become the No. 1 overall pick. To his credit, he has a tremendous opportunity to become a top-five or top-10 pick. He should make an immediate impact on the team that selects him, but it will almost certainly not be the Titans.
TRAVIS HUNTER IS UNREAL 🤯
He makes an absurd catch for @CUBuffsFootball on 4th & 8 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OuIIY8e4vD
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024
4a. Trade Back & Select Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Analysis: A primary consideration for this option is that Borgonzi wants the Titans to make more premium (top-100) picks over the next three years than they currently hold. This will require trading back or trading premium roster assets to acquire these top picks. A very possible option for this year is trading with the Giants, who also need a quarterback, for the 2025 No. 3 pick and future top-100 selections. With the Browns also needing a quarterback, Carter will likely still be available at No. 3 in this scenario. Carter fits the mold of “generational talent” and will make an immediate impact affecting opposing quarterbacks on the edge. The Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated just how critical an elite pass rush is to defeating top NFL quarterbacks in their Super Bowl LIX victory. Carter would be a phenomenal addition on the outside to a top interior defensive line featuring All-Pro Jeffery Simmons and former second-rounder T’Vondre Sweat.
Prediction: This is a likely option for the Titans as they would acquire more draft picks and a blue-chip player on defense. This option would presume that the Titans are riding with Will Levis for another year, or they could sign another veteran quarterback as a bridge until they find their guy.
Potential #1 pick Abdul Carter highlights
41 TFLs
23 Sacks
71 QB Hurries
I think we can all mostly agree on who the #1 player in the draft is 👀 pic.twitter.com/rT5Pzp52PA— College Football Report (@CFBRep) February 26, 2025
4b. Trade Back Further, Acquire a Haul of Draft Picks
Analysis: While it seems the Giants are the most likely trade suitors for the Titans, the Jets, who currently hold the No. 7 pick, and the Saints, who are at No. 9, also need a quarterback. Trading from further back typically requires greater draft compensation. In this scenario, the Titans would receive the No. 7 or No. 9 pick this year and would likely select the best player available. They would also likely receive more than one (possibly two or three) future top-100 picks. The Titans shored up their offensive line through free agency with the signings of former Lions right guard Kevin Zeitler and former Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr., which will move former first-rounder JC Latham back to right tackle where he played in college. These moves indicate that the Titans would likely target the top remaining wide receiver or defensive player in this scenario.
Prediction: This is a less likely scenario unless the Jets or Saints really want Ward or Sanders. They may be unwilling to give up the draft capital required to move from No. 7 or No. 9 up to No. 1. Still, it is a possibility that should be considered.
“This is an important pick here. No. 1 pick in the Draft. We’re not taking that lightly.” @Titans GM Mike Borgonzi on the preparation that goes into selecting the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
📺: 2025 #NFLCombine on NFL Network
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/dZgt5cdMF6— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 1, 2025
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