Incredibly, even after having the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans, and specifically rookie quarterback Caw Ward, have flown under the radar for the majority of the offseason. 

Many have talked about the lack of coverage of Ward throughout the process. To many networks and analysts, he appears to be an afterthought compared to players such as Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty, and even Shedeur Sanders. However, that tide is slowly changing, and pundits across the media landscape are taking notice of Ward and the Titans. 

The latest appears to be ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, who, along with co-host Laura Rutledge of NFL Live, discussed the young signal caller and offered some interesting thoughts to The Tennessean on why he is under discussed and what the future may hold while on set for an episode they were filming live from Tight End University in Nashville. 

“I’ve been high on him since I studied his tape,” former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky told The Tennessean. “I think that surely Tennessee’s got a guy that’s going to surprise not only Tennessee, but the league.”

Rutledge followed with, “Overall, there was nobody questioning that he should be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. That’s rare, right? I can only think of a handful of times when that’s been the case.”

Orlovsky believes that Ward’s unconventional path from Incarnate Word to Washington State and finally Miami may be one of the reasons why he hasn’t burst onto the national scene like many of his predecessors. Lacking any one special elite trait, Ward is a complete quarterback, possessing a strong work ethic; he has the skills needed to be successful. 

Some outlets have recognized the potential and begun to discuss Ward, drawing comparisons to Steve McNair and Patrick Mahomes. However, for the most part, he has simply put his head down and worked, making big-time throws and demonstrating high-level leadership throughout the offseason. 

The traits he has already shown in Nashville could make people take notice sooner rather than later, and Rutledge offers some thoughts about what he brings to the Titans.  

“He’s also the type of person that you can build a franchise around,” Rutledge said. “He loves to fish, he loves to be outdoors, and he loves to play football. He’s not going to be somebody that you have to worry about in any way, shape, or form.”

The Titans’ front office has openly discussed changing the culture within the organization, and the selection of Ward may be the most significant building block in that effort. Ward has been successful at every level in college and has the potential, leadership traits, and on-field skills to be the face of the franchise for years to come.