Draft expert provides analysis on Titans’ tactical shift regarding Cam Ward after Shedeur Sanders’ workout cancelation

The Titans haven't announced a name yet but analysts and draft expert project that they want Cam Ward over Shedeur Sanders.

Draft expert provides analysis on Titans’ tactical shift regarding Cam Ward after Shedeur Sanders’ workout cancelation

Cam Ward (Image via IMAGO)

Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders battled it out for the top pick in the draft for much of the season. For a while, it seemed the Tennessee Titans were cool with selecting the ex-Colorado QB until his draft stock took a dip.

The Titans reportedly shifted their attention to Ward. General Manager Mike Borgonzi and a couple of other Titans brass took the Miami QB out to dinner to get to know each other better. Meanwhile, they canceled a private workout with Sanders after scouting him during Colorado’s Pro Day.

YouTube video

On the surface, this move by the Titans appeared to be a statement that they were shifting away from Sanders and selecting Ward. NFL draft specialist Daniel Jeremiah explained the situation on Monday’s segment of Up & Adams.

I just think they’re locked in [on Miami’s Cam Ward]. Once they kind of zeroed in on Cam… They’re out of the generosity of just saying, ‘Hey, we’re done. We’re down this road. We’ve already seen Cam. We’ve visited with Cam.

Daniel Jeremiah said

Jeremiah viewed the Titans canceling Sanders’ private workout as a favor to the 23-year-old quarterback. Teams task the rookies with mammoth objectives to evaluate their knowledge of the game. One team allegedly gave a QB a 60-page playbook to memorize in a week.

If the Titans have already decided that they will draft Ward, then it doesn’t make much sense to test Sanders, who can focus on acing the playbooks of other NFL teams.

We went to your pro day out of respect for the career that you’ve had and also to see Travis [Hunter]. We’re locked in on our decision. So, let’s not waste any of your time as you try and prepare.

Daniel Jeremiah said

Borgonzi and head coach Brian Callahan didn’t travel to Colorado’s Pro Day but sent their quarterback coach Scott Tolzien and WR coach Keith Williams (to watch Hunter) instead.

NFL insider hints the Titans are slowly moving ahead with Cam Ward

Sanders still harbors the aspiration of being the No. 1 pick, but unless the Titans want him to be their quarterback, he has to stay content with whichever team selects him. The Titans canceling Sanders’ private workout is an indication that they are comfortable with Ward as their first pick.

Draft expert provides analysis on Titans’ tactical shift regarding Cam Ward after Shedeur Sanders’ workout cancellation
Cam Ward (Image via IMAGO)

During Monday’s episode of the Pat McAfee Show, NFL insider Ian Rapoport said the Titans approach with Sanders made sense.

Titans mutually canceled the visit with Shedeur, which I would say, to me makes sense. [Because] it looks like the Titans are going in one direction. They haven’t officially confirmed or [made any] announcement but looks like they are going in one direction to select Cam Ward at No. 1 and if that’s the case then I am not sure there’s any point of a Shedeur workout.

Ian Rapoport said

The latest development certainly pushes Ward as the unanimous no. 1. Unless the Titans decide otherwise, they will have a new QB to compete with Will Levis.

What if the Titans traded the No. 1 pick?

The consensus may be the Titans selecting Cam Ward as the No. 1 pick, but there’s also a world where Borgonzi opts for a different route. ESPN analyst Mina Kimes suggested that the Titans should trade down with the New York Giants for additional picks.

Cam Ward of Miami or trading with the Giants… You are only falling to the pick three and you are also picking up in the process a 2026 first and a 2025 second.

Mina Kimes told The Athletic’s Dane Brugler

Dropping to third means the Titans lose out on Ward. However, they still get the chance to select either Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Hunter. As a bonus, they get a first-rounder in 2026 and the 34th pick in the round of 2025.

Brugler liked the idea, but at the same time argued that the Titans should take Ward. As for the Giants, there’s every possibility the NFC team returns to pick in the top 10 next year.

I think the talent and the intangibles, this Titans roster is built and the fact that we just haven’t had a quarterback [picks at No 1] for so long… I am gonna stick and pick; I am gonna take Cam Ward [for the Titans] and pass on the trade. The Giants are desperate but I think we are desperate in Tennessee to get the quarterback right.

Dane Brugler said

The last QB to hold down the starting quarterback job for more than two years was Ryan Tannehill during the Mike Vrabel days. Tannehill led the Titans to consecutive AFC South titles and a divisional-round appearance.

Related: 3 reasons why the 2025 NFL season will be ‘make or break’ for Joe Burrow