With the 2025 NFL Draft looming just around the corner, and the excitement of Super Bowl LIX still fresh in the minds of fans, the buzz surrounding the Tennessee Titans and their No. 1 overall pick is palpable. What will the Titans do? This question has sparked heated discussions among analysts and fans alike, especially as the draft approaches.
Debate Over the Titans’ No. 1 Pick
The conversation has intensified, particularly among ESPN’s cadre of NFL Draft experts. Two prominent voices, Jordan Reid and Matt Miller, have engaged in a spirited debate regarding the Titans’ strategy. Reid passionately advocates for the Titans to take the top-ranked quarterback in this draft class, Cam Ward from Miami. He believes Ward is the standout choice for the franchise, emphasizing the quarterback’s consistent improvement throughout his career.
“Cam Ward is being severely underrated in this year’s draft class,” Reid stated during ESPN2’s Field Yates’ NFL Mock Draft 3.0 special. He highlighted Ward’s impressive journey, showcasing his impact at every level, from Incarnate Word in the FCS ranks to Washington State and finally at Miami. Reid’s enthusiasm for Ward is evident as he notes, “He got better every single year.”
Reid’s Case for Cam Ward
Ward’s statistics from the 2024 season are hard to ignore. He led the entire FBS with an astounding 39 passing touchdowns and ranked second nationally with 4,313 passing yards, boasting a completion rate of 67.2%. His performance was instrumental in propelling the Hurricanes to the top of the offensive charts in his lone season in Coral Gables. Reid argues that Ward possesses the traits that make for a successful NFL quarterback, including poise in high-pressure situations and the ability to perform both in and out of structure.
“If I were new Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi, Ward would be my pick without hesitation,” Reid asserted, making it clear that he sees a bright future for the young quarterback in Nashville.
Miller’s Counterargument
However, not everyone shares Reid’s enthusiasm for Ward. Matt Miller firmly disagrees, suggesting that the Titans should take a different route altogether. He believes that neither Ward nor Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado, should be the top pick. Instead, Miller advocates for selecting Abdul Carter, a standout pass-rusher from Penn State.
“I would draft Abdul Carter. He’s the best player in this draft,” Miller declared. He emphasized the importance of pass rushers in today’s game, especially after witnessing their impact in the Super Bowl. Miller’s perspective is clear: he does not think either quarterback in this class warrants the first overall selection.
Abdul Carter’s Impressive Resume
Carter’s credentials are indeed impressive. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds, he has emerged as one of the most pro-ready players in the draft. His transition from a stand-up linebacker to an edge rusher has showcased his elite pass-rushing ability. During Penn State’s College Football Playoff run, he recorded 12 sacks, 61 pressures, and an NCAA-best 23.5 tackles for loss. With 68 total tackles to his name in 2024, Carter has proven he can make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Miller’s argument is compelling, as he highlights the critical role that a strong pass rush plays in a team’s success. With the Titans potentially moving on from third-year quarterback Will Levis, who has started 21 games since being drafted in 2023, the team faces a pivotal moment in its franchise history.
What Lies Ahead for the Titans?
As the clock ticks down to the 2025 NFL Draft, the debate over who the Titans should select at No. 1 is heating up. Will they go all-in on a quarterback like Cam Ward, or will they opt for a game-changing defensive player like Abdul Carter? The discussions are sure to continue, with passionate arguments on both sides.
The Titans’ decision will not only shape the future of their franchise but will also have ripple effects throughout the league. As fans eagerly await the draft on April 24, the excitement and speculation around the Titans’ pick will only intensify. Who will emerge as the top choice? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this year’s draft promises to be one of the most thrilling yet!
