NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are keeping their options open when it comes to naming a starting quarterback, even after selecting Cam Ward from Miami as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. During rookie minicamp, Ward showcased his potential and hinted that he might soon be a strong contender for the role.
As soon as Ward was drafted, the Titans provided him with the team’s playbook and conducted multiple Zoom meetings with him prior to the rookie minicamp, which included a session open to media on Saturday.
“He got a bit of a head start, and that’ll definitely help him,” commented head coach Brian Callahan about Ward. “However, it ultimately comes down to what he does out here and how quickly he can adapt.”
Ward was drafted to step into the role of franchise quarterback following three consecutive losing seasons for the Titans, which earned them the top pick in the draft. It’s understood that the rookie must earn the starting position through strong performances during training camp and preseason matches.
Among those vying for the starting quarterback role is Will Levis, a 33rd overall pick from 2023, now entering his third NFL season and third under Callahan’s offensive system. The roster also includes seasoned backup quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle.
Ward’s journey as a player has always been one of competition and proving himself. He rose from being an unrecruited high school talent to becoming a starter at both Incarnate Word and Washington State before landing at Miami.
Looking to his NFL career, Ward is eager to seize the moment and continue to demonstrate his capabilities. He emphasized that he relishes competing, whether it’s against himself or alongside fellow quarterbacks and wide receivers.
“Whatever we do, it’s about competing,” Ward expressed. “It doesn’t faze me. At the end of the day, it’s a job. You have to approach it with diligence and put in the work, whether that’s early mornings or late nights. It’s a daily process for me. I focus on doing the same routine and continuously strive to improve.”
Coach Callahan aims for Ward to concentrate on learning and making incremental progress as he adjusts to life in the professional football league. This is why the rookies have their designated minicamp before blending with the Titans’ nine draft picks and 16 undrafted rookies into the offseason workouts that start on Monday with the rest of the team’s veterans.
“The key is to maintain a narrow focus,” explained Callahan. “Forget about September; our concern is today’s practice and the film session this afternoon, and then we move to the following day. This is the approach for Cam as well—improving slightly with each passing day.”
Notes:
Two draft picks were sidelined during Saturday’s practice due to injuries. Kevin Winston, a third-round selection and safety from Penn State, is recuperating from a torn ACL that sidelined him for most of his final college season in 2024. Additionally, sixth-round pick running back Kalel Mullings is in recovery following a surgery for a core muscle injury, according to Callahan. The team also finalized a deal with fourth-round draft pick, TE Gunnar Helm, chosen No. 120 overall from Texas.