The Tennessee Titans are in the beginning stages of organized team activities (OTAs) and are incrementally working toward the start of training camp. This is a crucial time for the organization as it integrates all the new players into its culture.
This is also a necessary time to ease rookie quarterback Cam Ward into the system. To this point, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft looks the part and appears poised to seize control of a quarterback competition that the staff continues to say is happening.
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Before the draft, many outlets debated Ward’s fit in head coach Brian Callahan’s system. So far, Ward seems like a good fit. Plus, Callahan is open to adjusting his system for him by adding concepts that play to his skill set.
NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid breaks down Ward’s fit in this system and works with ESPN’s NFL Nation to look at how rookie quarterbacks fit with their new teams and what those teams are doing to set the signal-callers up for success.
Here is what they had to say about Ward and the Titans:
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (No. 1)
Why he fits in Tennessee: The Will Levis experiment did not work out for the Titans, and new general manager Mike Borgonzi wanted to make a change. Enter Ward, who should be able to jump in right away thanks to his playmaking ability, unshakeable confidence, and arm talent. Coach Brian Callahan’s West Coast scheme relies on rhythm and timing, so Ward must work on staying in structure and being more consistent with his accuracy. But he has shown adaptability in his three college stops and presents a lot of upside. — Reid
How the Titans can set him up for success: The best way to maximize Ward’s potential is to immediately cater to the passing concepts to him so he’s comfortable and confident. Ward said the offense he ran last season at Miami has a lot of similarities to what Callahan runs in Tennessee, so that’s a good start. But he needs stability around him to have long-term success. So Tennessee’s front office must be patient with Callahan and Ward and let their chemistry grow. — Turron Davenport
The area where he could lead the league in five years: Touchdown passes from outside the pocket. Ward is an exciting playmaker who excels at making throws outside the play-design framework. He can extend plays and has a fearlessness that allows him to generate significant gains when things break down. — Reid
Clay’s 2025 projection: 3,391 passing yards, 20 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions (265 rushing yards, three touchdown runs)
Ward will likely need some time to ease into the system, and focusing on what he does well could pay dividends early in his career. He is a better pocket passer than many gave him credit for during the pre-draft process and has all of the intangible qualities that give him a chance to have long-term success in the league.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL analyst: Titans QB Cam Ward ‘should be able to jump in right away’