Tag: Ward

May 10, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass as he goes through drills during Rookie Mini Camp at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Titans QBs Cam Ward, Will Levis splitting May reps

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Guarding against making “September declarations” about their starting quarterback, the Tennessee Titans are splitting repetitions between incumbent No. 1 Will Levis and No. 1 pick Cam Ward.

“They’ve both handled it really well,” coach Brian Callahan said Tuesday, praising Levis for his offseason work to date. “I’ve been pleased with their demeanor and approach. Will has done a really nice job getting better at the things he needs to get better at. Cam has done a really nice job of integrating himself. … They’ve both done a really nice job getting up to speed where they needed to.”

Callahan, in his second season as Tennessee’s head coach, is far from making a decision about which player is best to lead the Titans into Denver for Week 1 of the regular season. The Broncos led the NFL in sacks in 2024 and take full advantage of their home field.

But Callahan said he won’t begin thinking about Denver or his depth chart for several weeks. Levis and Ward are working side by side but their race to be the QB1 for the Titans has not started in Callahan’s mind.

“Right now it’s all evenly split. We’re not competing right now,” Callahan said. “It will change probably a little bit when we get to OTAs and there’s some 7-on-7. They’re really not going against anybody right now, so we’re just rolling through it.”

After finishing 3-14 in 2024, Callahan made it an offseason mantra to keep the team’s focus small given the large improvement needed to challenge in the AFC South and beyond. He said it’s premature to discuss Ward as a starter because of the ground he’ll need to cover the next three months.

“There’s so much work to be done between now and then, particularly for him,” Callahan said. “I feel good about where he’s at and the work we’ve put in.”

–Field Level Media

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, left, poses for pictures with Cam Ward who earlier had been introduced as the Tennessee Titans first-round pick – and overall number one pick – in the NFL Draft at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 25, 2025. Moon, whose No. 1 jersey is retired for the Tennessee Titans, allowed Ward to wear his number.

Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty tabbed co-OROY favorites

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With one round of the 2025 NFL Draft complete, sportsbooks are already projecting the NFL’s rookie of the year races.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward and Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty enter the season neck and neck in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race, in the eyes of multiple books.

DraftKings Sportsbook had Ward and Jeanty as co-favorites at +200 as of Friday afternoon. FanDuel Sportsbook gave the slightest edge to Ward at +330, with Jeanty pegged at +340.

Ward was the No. 1 overall pick out of Miami after racking up 39 passing touchdowns and four rushing scores for the Hurricanes last year. He figures to take over the Titans’ offense from Will Levis as a rookie.

Jeanty had one of the best seasons by a college running back in history, piling up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 rushing TDs in 14 games at Boise State. The Raiders chose Jeanty sixth overall Thursday.

One wrinkle in the race is No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner will attempt to play both wide receiver and cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, just as he did at Colorado. Hunter was third in the OROY odds at both sportsbooks — +600 at FanDuel and +750 at DraftKings.

The Defensive Rookie of the Year race has a clear favorite. The New York Giants chose edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick, and Carter is a +225 favorite at DraftKings for the award and +240 at FanDuel.

–Field Level Media

Cam Ward speaks during a press conference at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 25, 2025. The Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward from Miami with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

No. 1 pick Cam Ward plans to reward Titans’ trust

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After sleeping for only 90 minutes in the hours between hitting the stage as the No. 1 pick of the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft and sunrise in Green Bay, Cam Ward walked into the team complex with his eyes wide open on Friday morning.

“You have to be an elite communicator, that’s what I learned being in college,” Ward said. “I think that’s why we were able to have one of the best offenses at Miami last year. Continuing to get better each year, in and out, and making sure we’re always communicating.

“Being a teammate, being a real locker room guy, also holding people accountable. … At the end of the day, it all starts on the practice field. Nothing translates to game day if you don’t rep it over and over. I plan on getting to work.”

Between an embrace with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the lunchtime introductory press conference in Nashville on Friday, Ward had a celebration with his parents and “small circle” in Wisconsin and estimated he closed his eyes at 4 a.m. before a 5:30 wake-up call to appear on “Good Morning America.” Ward was soon aboard “Miss Amy’s” private jet — the mode of transportation belonging to Titans principal owner Amy Adams Strunk — for the dawning of his first day as a pro quarterback.

Make that, a franchise quarterback, a label not lost on Ward.

“Somebody who can lead their teammates for numerous amount of years, not just one season,” Ward said. “You’ve got to be consistent in the National Football League. That’s why you see some of the best quarterbacks out here, Pat (Mahomes), Josh (Allen) and Lamar (Jackson) in the playoffs every year. That’s where I want to get to in my career, real fast.”

Ward said he doesn’t get enough credit for processing what he sees on the field and his feel for the pocket. He plans to prove the Titans made the right pick.

“That’s all I really need, all I need is one shot, I’ll make the most of it,” Ward said. “For them to draft me No. 1 overall, I know they don’t regret it. I’m going to make sure they don’t.”

College football’s all-time leader in career passing touchdowns with 158, Ward played at FCS Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami in five seasons. Preparation is a constant with Ward, whose coaches praised his eagerness to put in overtime watching film and fighting to get better.

“It’s something that you do fall in love with,” Ward said. “I really didn’t start learning football until I got to Wazzu. As I progressed throughout my career, I started to love it even more. I just think over time I’ve gotten better, learned how to watch film the right way.”

Ward was introduced by former Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon, who appeared in-person at the team headquarters to sign off on Ward wearing the jersey number 1.

“A lot of our journeys are similar about what we were told about not being good enough,” Moon said. “As far as the number an everything is concerned. I wore the No. 1 for a lot of reasons and I wore it for a long time. … I’m excited to see what he’s going to do with his legacy and wearing this number.”

Ward said he called Moon last month but didn’t know the live presentation was going to take place. He said the player, not the person, makes the number, and he knows he will be judged by performance. He said he didn’t know about Moon until February and began watching his highlights to make sure the Pro Football Hall of Famer was legit.

“He was,” Ward said with a laugh.

–Field Level Media

Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter is selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the number two pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Titans land QB Cam Ward, Jaguars splash with Travis Hunter move

Posted on | by Field Level Media

GREEN BAY, Wis. — After the Tennessee Titans tabbed Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft as expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up from No. 5 to grab Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter with the second pick.

In addition to the second overall pick, which they used to select the 2024 Heisman winner, the Jaguars also received a fourth-round pick and sixth-round pick. The Browns received the No. 5 overall pick and selected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Cleveland also received second- and fourth-round picks this year, and a first-round pick in 2026.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said the franchise was almost certain Ward would be the pick before the NFL Scouting Combine in February even before meeting the person because of what they saw from him as a player.

“We pretty much had all the questions answered probably three weeks (before) the draft,” he said.

At No. 3, the New York Giants selected Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and the New England Patriots followed by making a promised upgrade to the offensive line in front of 2024 No. 3 pick Drake Maye. The Patriots welcomed LSU left tackle Will Campbell at No. 4.

Despite speculation other teams were angling to move ahead of the Raiders, Las Vegas held onto the No. 6 pick and went with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. The Raiders were No. 32 in the league in rushing with 1,357 total yards and no ballcarrier with more than 420 yards.

Ward passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, both single-season school records, last season at Miami, being named ACC Player of the Year. He began his collegiate career with two seasons at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, where he played two more seasons, before his final season at Miami.

Hunter, who followed coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, had 96 receptions last season for 1,258 yards, averaging 13.1 per catch with 15 touchdowns.

Jeanty finished his college career with 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 80 passes in his career with six scores.

–Jim Hoehn, Field Level Media

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA;Miami quarterback Cam Ward (QB15) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

In Green Bay, NFL Draft wait almost over for Cam Ward, Travis Hunter

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Titletown underwent a makeover for the weekend as the 2025 NFL Draft takes place at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., starting Thursday night with the first round.

On the clock since the final game of the regular season in January, the Tennessee Titans resisted trade overtures and are committed to keeping the No. 1 pick in hopes of reversing recent fortunes in Nashville.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been the primary prospect under consideration by first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan for weeks. Ward, rated as a zero-star recruit, began his journey at Incarnate Word, transferred to Washington State and then spent the final season of his five-year college football journey running the Hurricanes’ offense and set the FBS record for TD passes (158).

“I’m excited to hopefully hear my name called first to go to a great organization like that,” Ward said Wednesday.

The Titans’ franchise last had the No. 1 pick in 1978, when the then-Oilers selected running back Earl Campbell.

Callahan was part of the Bengals’ organization when Joe Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020 and Borgonzi was a scout with the Chiefs when Kansas City unearthed a franchise quarterback named Patrick Mahomes.

Ward dined with Titans brass before his pro day, where he declared he was “solidifying” his status as the No. 1 pick.

“I like confidence. I think that’s a good thing,” Callahan said. “When you’re in the conversation for the No. 1 pick there’s a lot that comes with it. To have fun with that is a good thing.”

Ward said the passing game concepts in Tennessee are similar to what he was accustomed to in Miami. He also said he’s been in touch with Warren Moon about wearing the retired number — 1 — Moon immortalized with the Houston Oilers’ franchise.

Barring a trade, the Wisconsin faithful will wait a few hours into the draft for the Green Bay Packers to make their first selection, No. 23. The Packers enter the draft with picks late in the second (54) and third (87) rounds, which take place Friday night. The final four rounds begin Saturday morning.

One position seemingly always settled in Green Bay is quarterback, where Jordan Love has a firm hold on the spot since being drafted 26th in 2020 and developing behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have been the youngest team in the playoffs two consecutive seasons. Rodgers was the 24th pick in 2005.

Following the 2024 draft in which quarterbacks went 1-2-3 and six were first-round picks, the landing spots for the other QBs in this class are far less certain. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Louisville’s Tyler Shough all have been mentioned as options in the top 32.

None are expected to be selected before Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the two-way dynamo from Colorado who insists he can continue playing two positions as a pro.

“I believe I can do it. They said I can’t do it in college, I won the most prestigious award in college football. You still tell me what I can’t do and I’m going to go out there and do it,” Hunter said Wednesday, standing in the end zone at Lambeau Field. “Why is it important? Because I love football.”

Hunter went to the NFL Scouting Combine as a defensive back — primarily because players are grouped by position for all segments of the event — and told teams in face-to-face interviews he sees himself as a wide receiver and cornerback.

Few debate his gamebreaker ability, but teams are far from unanimous on the best way to use Hunter.

Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back picked in the top five since Saquon Barkley (No. 2, Giants, 2018). Jeanty can break tackles and long runs, and shared his own self-confidence in an open letter to NFL general managers this month with a reminder: “It’s tackle football, you know what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle.”

Jeanty is the headliner in a deep running back class with the potential to place multiple players in the first round for the second time since 2019.

The supply of blue-chip defensive talent runs deep, starting with Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. Depending on how Hunter is ultimately classified, Carter is expected to be the first defensive player off the board.

A converted stand-up linebacker with only one season at defensive end, Carter posted 23 sacks with the Nittany Lions but has been hampered by injuries to his shoulder and foot since the end of the extended 2024 college football season.

Carter said he’s ready for draft day to finally be here.

“I’m ready to get to tomorrow and find out where I’m going to go,” Carter said. “Wherever it is, I’m blessed to have the opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Georgia edge defenders Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams and SEC offensive tackles who’ve blocked them — Missouri’s Armand Membou and Will Campbell of LSU — are also leading options in the top 10.

The Patriots, who drafted Drake Maye behind Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Commanders) last year, are one of the teams eyeing betting pass protection under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Pete Carroll is back in the saddle, too, after a year away and helping guide the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 with a fresh Jacksonville regime in between with the fifth overall pick. Jaguars’ first-time general manager James Gladstone has taken an unconventional approach to the draft, and along with 39-year-old first-time head coach Liam Coen, brings an unpredictable element to the middle of the top 10.

A pair of Michigan All-Americans, defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, are projected to be in play for the Jaguars and Raiders. Las Vegas scored a superstar in the first round last year with record-setter Brock Bowers, the 13th pick in 2024.

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren are candidates to be picked in that same range this year.

When and where a second quarterback will come off the board is complicated.

Factors include talks with veterans in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are considered the frontrunners to sign Rodgers in free agency. A similar scenario could unfold with the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 2 pick, with reported interest in acquiring Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins holds a no-trade clause and reportedly plans to resist waving that provision until after the draft to avoid landing in the same situation he found himself in a year ago. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in free agency, the Falcons shocked Cousins and many more by using the No. 8 pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

–Field Level Media

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Browns, holding No. 2 pick, host trio of top prospects

Posted on | by Field Level Media

As the Browns inch closer to the start of the 2025 league year next week, Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry has kept his focus on the draft class.

The Browns hosted three of the top-ranked prospects in the class on Wednesday: Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter as well as quarterbacks Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado).

With only the Tennessee Titans ahead of the Browns in the draft, Cleveland is casting a narrowed net before the college pro day circuit kicks into high gear. The Browns met with all three prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine, where 18-minute, in-person interviews are permitted with up to 45 players in the 2025 draft pool. They also met with Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter, who has said he hopes to remain a wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.

None of the four prospects worked out with their position group in Indianapolis.

Carter was not even available for a complete battery of official measurements because of his ongoing recovery from an AC joint injury in his shoulder.

The Browns entered the offseason with uncertainty at quarterback. Deshaun Watson had a second Achilles surgery and might not play in 2025. Jameis Winston can become a free agent.

Field Level Media ranks Ward as the clear No. 1 prospect at the position. The Titans also view QB as one area “we have to get right,” according to first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi.

Defense might become a higher priority for Berry and the Browns if they’re backed into a corner by defensive end Myles Garrett. After requesting a trade, Garrett responded to the Browns’ statement they would not part with the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate by stating he has no plans to sign a contract extension to stay in Cleveland.

The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders’ No. 1 pick odds plummet amid reports

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Shedeur Sanders’ status as the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft has been firmly cemented.

Reports surfaced this week that multiple teams felt the former Colorado quarterback didn’t take his interviews at the scouting combine seriously. Combined with the questions many scouts have as to whether Sanders truly warrants elite prospect status, and his odds of being the No. 1 overall pick next month have steadily plummeted.

Offered at +350 by BetMGM to go No. 1 overall in January, Sanders was behind only former Miami quarterback Cam Ward (+100) and former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter (+150). However, he has since slid to a +1500 longshot behind Ward (-225), Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter (+185) and Hunter (+1100).

The months leading up to the draft are chock full of smoke screens thrown up by coaches and front office personnel to mask their draft day intentions. But the concerns around Sanders may have some lasting power, as scouts question his 6-foot-1 frame, average arm strength and overall athleticism.

A contributing factor for some teams may include his Hall of Fame father, Deion, who has long wielded a strong influence in the football careers of his sons.

Sanders’ perceived slide down draft boards — or at least out of the No. 1 pick equation — would be a win for sportsbooks. Sanders being the first name on the board has drawn 18.7 percent of the bets and 18.4 percent of the money at BetRivers, making him the book’s second-biggest liability behind Hunter and ahead of Ward.

Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, has been backed by 29.2 percent of the total bets, while Ward leads with 44.4 percent of the money wagered while emerging as the prohibitive favorite seven weeks out.

The action has been similar at DraftKings, where Ward leads with 28 percent of the money at -230, while Hunter has drawn 22 percent of the money and 25 percent of all bets at +600.

There remains plenty of time and opportunity for the odds to shift, starting with who ultimately holds the No. 1 overall pick come April 24.

Tennessee currently possesses the pick and is the -150 favorite to hold onto it. However, the New York Giants have garnered 57 percent of the money wagered at +200 at DraftKings to acquire the pick. The Giants, who released former first-round pick Daniel Jones midseason last year, have also been tied to available free agent quarterbacks including Aaron Rodgers.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said the team will not pass on a “generational talent.” The question is, do they view Ward, Hunter or any of this year’s prospect in that regard?

The top three teams in the current draft order — Tennessee, Cleveland and the Giants — all figure to be strongly considering a quarterback. However, Sanders could slide a bit if he falls out of the top three spots, which are followed by New England (who have Drake Maye) and Jacksonville (Trevor Lawrence).

The Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 are believed to be in the market for a veteran free agent or top rookie quarterback, and are followed by the Jets at No. 7.

Sanders declined to participate in the East-West Shrine Game or work out at the combine, preferring to wait for Colorado’s turn at the Big 12 Pro Day on March 18-21 in Frisco, Texas.

NFL draft analyst Todd McShay reported this week that multiple teams were disappointed in Sanders’ interviews at the combine, and that he did not take a “professional approach.” However, that was in stark contrast to what Titans coach Brian Callahan told the team’s website in January.

“You can tell he’s been raised right,” Callahan said. “He’s mature, he has a really poised way about him, and he seems like a really good kid. I enjoyed talking to him. And, you could tell he’s a guy who has been in the spotlight. He knows how to handle himself, he’s been paid money, so he has a financial perspective.

“It was a really good first impression.”

Thus far, Sanders’ status as the No. 2 quarterback in the class behind Ward appears to remain solid. Most analysts have him followed by Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart.

NO. 1 OVERALL PICK ODDS*
PLAYER, POS, TEAM (JAN. ODDS/NOW)
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (+100-225)
Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State (+900/+185)
Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (+150/+1100)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (+350/+1500)
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (+5000)
*BetMGM

The Titans remain the tip of the iceberg in the draft. They currently have third-year quarterback Will Levis atop the depth chart, although he was benched late in the season for journeyman Mason Rudolph. Will Tennessee keep that pick and, if it does, will Borgonzi opt for Ward or someone who can get after the opposing quarterback such as Carter?

“The quarterback is the most important position, arguably in sports,” Borgonzi said in January. “So you have to solidify the quarterback position. We’re going to be relentless attacking this until we find the answer.”

–Field Level Media

Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Miami QB Cam Ward not taking field at combine, will throw March 24

Posted on | by Field Level Media

INDIANAPOLIS — Top-ranked quarterback Cam Ward came to the NFL Scouting Combine to interview with teams but will not participate in on-field workouts with the position group on Saturday.

Ward could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and met with the Tennessee Titans this week. Tennessee has the first overall pick but general manager Mike Borgonzi said the franchise is interested in trading the selection to accumulate draft picks in the top 100.

“Whether I go first round or second round, at the end of the day, that draft pick doesn’t mean nothing,” Ward said. “It’s all about establishing yourself once you get the opportunity.”

Ward plans to throw for scouts at the Miami pro day on March 24.

Ward threw an NCAA-record 158 touchdown passes. He had a total of 18,184 yards in five seasons at three different schools. He started his career at FCS program Incarnate Word (2020-21), transferred to Washington State (2022-23), then headed to Miami (2024).

“It’s a positive that he has that grit and determination to prove other people wrong,” Borgonzi said. “Every place he was at, he performed at a high level — that’s something you certainly take into account when you see someone that plays with that chip on their shoulder.”

Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is another contender to be the top quarterback selected in the 2025 draft. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, he threw 37 touchdowns and completed 74 percent of his passes. He also won’t throw for scouts and coaches in Indianapolis this weekend.

Ward, 22, said he had nothing to gain taking the field at the Scouting Combine. His five seasons of production in college tell teams everything they need to know about him as a player, he said.

“The tape says everything,” he said. “I think just what separates me from everybody is the way I approach it, the mindset I have going onto the field each and every game.”

Ward said he watched multiple Titans games last season and found the route concepts and general framework of the offense to be so familiar that he believes he’s a “plug and play” fit for Tennessee.

“They’ve got unbelievable players. So I just hope that God puts me, you know, in the situation,” Ward said.

Sanders, 23, made two college stops and won big at Jackson State and Colorado playing for his dad, Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. He said NFL teams know he was a driving force in turnarounds at both college programs and should not hesitate to invest in him to do the same at the next level.

“I’ve done it over and over and over, so it should be no question why an NFL franchise should pick me,” he said Friday.

Overall, Sanders was 36-15 as a starter — 13-12 at Colorado — with 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He said he respects all of the quarterbacks in this draft class but views himself as the best option, even if NFL teams see it differently.

“The number where you (are picked in the draft) don’t matter,” Sanders said. “I reference Tom Brady, because he is the best of the best in all categories. He ain’t go first. So, the number you get picked don’t matter. I wasn’t the top-rated quarterback coming out of high school, because there are a lot of things that people will like and don’t like about me. I’m realistic, and I’m realistic about my family and everything that people say that comes with it.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks up at the scoreboard during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Cam Ward’s message: “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault”

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The final on-field image of Cam Ward as a college quarterback was his declining to play the second half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl for Miami after he set a Division I record for most career touchdown passes during the first half.

That topic was brought up to Ward on Monday night when he was in Fort Worth, Texas, to formally accept the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback. He bristled at the suggestion that he quit on the Hurricanes and doesn’t want to hear that line of questioning from any NFL team considering picking him near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“OK, you’re either going to draft me or you’re not,” Ward told the Associated Press. “If you don’t draft me, that’s your fault. You’ve got to remember you’re the same team that’s got to play me for the rest of my career, and I’ll remember that.”

Ward tossed three touchdown passes in the first half against Iowa State to raise his career total to 158. Miami led 31-28 when Ward departed but eventually lost 42-41 to Iowa State.

Ward insists the only reason why his halftime departure is a big deal is because Miami lost the game.

“If we had won the game, they wouldn’t have said nothing,” Ward said. “And so that’s usually how it goes. And, you know, you just got to take it on the chin and just keep pushing.”

Perhaps Ward has a point since bowl games have become mostly meaningless in this era. But he did play in the first place — long enough to get the record.

Also, how he speaks about the situation can clue NFL teams in on how he will handle adverse questions, something that will be fired in his direction throughout his career.

The 2024 season was the lone one Ward played for Miami. He passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns against seven interceptions and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting.

Ward played two seasons at FCS program Incarnate Word and two at Washington State before moving on to Miami.

Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are the top two quarterbacks available in the 2025 draft.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts after touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

GM’s comment rocks No. 1 NFL draft pick odds

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The 2025 NFL Draft is still more than three months away, but the current owner of the No. 1 overall pick has already stirred the drama.

New Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said Wednesday that while the team wants to stockpile draft picks, he won’t pass on a “generational talent.”

Many took that as a thinly-veiled mention of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Colorado’s two-way playmaking star. That included oddsmakers, who quickly adjusted their markets for the No. 1 overall pick.

Hunter, who was a +1500 longshot to go No. 1 at BetMGM on Tuesday, had seen his odds shorten all the way to +150 after Borgonzi’s comments. That’s behind only Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who shifted from the -210 odds-on favorite to +100 in a little more than 24 hours.

Hunter is Field Level Media’s top-ranked overall prospect in this year’s class, with most teams viewing him as a defensive back who could moonlight as a wide receiver at the next level.

Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker said the Titans won’t pass on a “generational talent” if they determine that player exists in the 2025 draft. However, Tennessee’s brass was in agreement that the franchise is open to dealing the No. 1 overall pick.

There are still months of smoke screens and negotiations to navigate, along with thousands of miles to be traveled to all-star games and prospect workouts. For now, the race to be the first name called to the stage by commissioner Roger Goodell on April 24 appears to be a four-man race:

NO. 1 OVERALL PICK ODDS*
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (+100)
Travis Hunger, CB/WR, Colorado (+150)
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (+350)
Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State (+900)
Will Campbell, OT, LSU (+5000)
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (+5000)
*BetMGM

Hunter’s sudden ascension to the second favorite spot had many sportsbook sweating. At BetMGM, Hunter is the book’s biggest liability, with the public backing him with 37.9 percent of all bets and 19.3 percent of the money to go No. 1 overall.

Ward is the book’s second biggest liability, leading the way with 48 percent of the money while being second to Hunter with 16.3 percent of all bets. Sanders is third in both with 14.3 percent of the bets and 17.8 percent of the money backing him.

Borgonzi said the Titans “want to make 30 draft picks over the next three years,” with “12 of those to be in the top 100s,” so he will be open to offers if the phone rings. Cleveland current holds the No. 2 overall pick, followed by the New York Giants, New England and Jacksonville.

Las Vegas, which could be in the market for one of the top quarterbacks, currently sits No. 6. Quarterback is also a major question mark for the Titans, who have only 2023 draft pick Will Levis under contract for next season, and he failed to lock down the position this season.

“The quarterback is the most important position, arguably in sports,” Borgonzi said. “So you have to solidify the quarterback position. We’re going to be relentless attacking this until we find the answer.”

–Field Level Media