Key Points: NFL Draft
- Miami QB Cam Ward favored as No. 1 pick for Titans
- Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders headline early talent
- Running backs are making a first-round comeback
- Shedeur Sanders is one of several legacy players
- Draft held at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay
- Top 10 teams include Titans, Browns, Giants, and Jets
- All three days of the NFL Draft air on ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
NFL Draft Begins With Cam Ward Leading the Pack
The NFL draft kicks off Thursday night, and all eyes are on Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Most experts expect the Tennessee Titans to select him with the No. 1 overall pick. Ward has become the favorite after months of workouts, interviews, and buzz.
Ward recently worked out in front of all 32 NFL teams at Miami’s pro day. He says that performance should be enough to secure the top spot. Still, he’s made it clear—he’ll be happy to play for any team that wants him.
“I just want to play football,” Ward said.
A Loaded Class Behind Ward
After the first pick, things get interesting. Colorado’s two-way phenom Travis Hunter is expected to go early, along with his quarterback teammate Shedeur Sanders. Other top prospects include Penn State’s linebacker Abdul Carter, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, and LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell.
Shedeur Sanders is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. He’s also one of the most talked-about names in the draft, drawing both praise and criticism. Some teams love his poise and football IQ, while others are unsure how his game will translate to the pros.
Legacy names like Sanders make this draft class unique. Several players come from football families, and scouts are watching closely to see if that pedigree turns into performance.
For years, teams avoided drafting running backs early. Analytics showed the position held less long-term value. But now, with stars like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry proving their worth, teams are rethinking.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton could both hear their names called in the first round. That would mark a shift back toward valuing versatile, workhorse backs early in the draft.
NFL Draft Returns to Lambeau Field
This year’s draft takes place at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It’s the home of the Packers and one of the league’s most iconic stadiums. For three days, football’s future will be shaped under the lights of a legendary venue.
The first round begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. The second and third rounds follow Friday night. The final four rounds happen Saturday afternoon, closing out the event.
Fans can watch all the action on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. Coverage includes live picks, analysis, and interviews with draftees.
The Titans currently hold the first overall pick. After that, the order is as follows: Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears.
Each of these teams faces big decisions. Some need franchise quarterbacks. Others are looking to rebuild entire units. A few could even trade down to gain more picks.
Quarterbacks Still Dominate Conversation
Even though Cam Ward stands out, Shedeur Sanders is right behind him in most mock drafts. However, this class may not mirror recent drafts where quarterbacks dominated the top two spots.
In 2024, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels went first and second. In 2023, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud did the same. But this year, someone like Hunter or Carter could break the QB streak.
Ward, however, keeps making his case. His arm, accuracy, and leadership impressed coaches and scouts alike. The Titans seem ready to build around him.
As NFL Thursday arrives, fans prepare for a wave of new talent. Franchises hope to find future stars. Players wait for a dream phone call. And the draft returns to one of football’s most historic stages.
Cam Ward may go first. But many other stories will unfold before Saturday ends.
