Cam Ward Heads to Tennessee as the First Overall Pick

The Titans selected Miami QB Cam Ward with the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ward opened his college career at Incarnate Word, where he totaled 6,871 passing yards with 71 TDs vs. 14 INTs over two seasons. He was named the top freshman in the FCS in 2020 and then led FCS with 47 passing scores in 2021. Ward parlayed that success into a starting job at Washington State the next two years. He was similarly productive there, with 6,951 yards and 48 TDs. Ward capped his college career with a massive 2024 season at Miami. He led FBS with 39 passing TDs and finished second with 4,313 passing yards. He was named a first-team All-American, won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top QB, and was a Heisman finalist. Ward ranked second in the country in Pro Football Focus passing grade last year, completing 67.2% of his passes on a big 9.8-yard average target depth. He led the FBS with 56% of his completions going for more than 10 yards. Ward is a gunslinger with plenty of arm strength – but his accuracy comes and goes due to inconsistent mechanics. While he’s not an elite athlete, he’ll certainly add value with his legs. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler said it best: “Mahomes-like scrambler — not fast but runs with savvy and takes yards the defense gives him”
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Going No. 1 overall to a QB room with Will Levis as the top competition, Ward is a clear favorite to win the Week 1 starting job. Tennessee’s pass-catching corps is shaky behind WR Calvin Ridley, but they could add to the group with the 35th overall pick on Friday night.
Fantasy owners should not be counting on Ward as a weekly QB1 in 2025. But his arm talent and mobility make him a good bet to produce at least a few top-12 scoring weeks this season. He’s a viable lower-end QB2, particularly in best-ball leagues.
Dynasty Impact
Ward’s shoddy mechanics and reckless play style elevate his bust risk. But that’s less important than his exciting upside. With a strong arm, aggressive mentality, and plus athleticism, Ward’s long-term dynasty ceiling extends into the top-10 QBs.
He’s worth considering with the No. 2 pick in superflex rookie drafts.