The Tennessee Titans drafted Cam Ward with the first pick of Round 1.
Fantasy Football Impact for Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans
The Will Levis era in Tennessee is over. With the selection of Miami QB Cam Ward with the first overall pick, the Titans are turning the page in their search for a franchise quarterback. Ward's arm talent and ability to work the intermediate to deep sections of the field will help improve what was one of the worst passing attacks in the NFL last season. Across five collegiate seasons at Incarnate Word, Washington State, and Miami, Ward posted a 4.3 TD/INT ratio, with an adjusted completion percentage of 75.8 and a turnover-worthy play rate at 3.3 percent. He aimed to push the ball downfield, also, with an average depth of target of 8.3 yards for his career. In 2024, Ward's 9.5-yard average depth of target was a career high, despite posting an adjusted completion percentage of 76.6.
Ward's gradual improvement took him from a zero-star recruit to being handed the keys to a franchise as the first overall pick.
There are serviceable offensive weapons in Tennessee. With Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Treylon Burks, and Chig Okonkwo, Ward will have options in the passing game as a rookie. The offensive line, though, will need to be addressed -- Tennessee allowed the second-highest QB pressure rate in the NFL last season at 40.2 percent -- for Ward to succeed immediately. That's true as both a real-world and fantasy quarterback.
The direction the Titans take from here will paint a clearer picture of Ward's rookie upside.
At Miami, Ward was effective in navigating pressure without absorbing sacks. This should help as he adjusts to playing behind a Tennessee offensive line that allowed an 8.9 percent sack rate last season. The difference, however, is that Ward had 2.73 seconds to throw on average on dropbacks with a pass attempt. That was the fifth-most time among QBs in the 2025 class. Unless the Titans improve significantly on the offensive line, he'll have less time to get through progressions and make decisions in the NFL.
That's what Brian Callahan and first-year offensive coordinator Nick Holz will need to emphasize with Ward to shorten the learning curve in year one. Simplify reads and install an offense that allows him to work through progressions quickly. Utilizing his arm talent to exploit intermediate to deep sections of the field is key. With a diverse set of pass catchers, the tools are there for Tennessee's offensive staff to tailor an offense to Ward's skill set.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
In Calvin Ridley's case, the opportunity to play with a quarterback who can push the ball downfield should be music to the ears of fantasy managers. He saw 27 targets on passes with 20 or more air yards. Despite posting a -1.3 catch rate over expectation, he only caught 29.6 percent of those targets. Ward's accuracy on deep attempts should help those numbers.
Tyler Lockett and Treylon Burks will likely have roles in the offense, as well. Neither currently projects as a fantasy-relevant contributor from the outset.
After two promising seasons, Chig Okonkwo regressed with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph under center. Still, his athletic profile and yards after catch ability could set him up for a productive role as Ward's safety valve.
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears weren't overly effective as receiving backs. While they'll still be involved as runners, their respective roles in the passing game are ambiguous at best.
Currently, Ward is listed as the QB28 in the Footballguys 2025 Draft Rankings. If some of the veterans slotted ahead of him take a step back -- like Russell Wilson, or Matthew Stafford -- there's a window for Ward to enter the QB2 conversation as a rookie.
This is likely only the floor, though. He's a talented passer who can make big-time throws, with the ability to navigate a pocket. His lack of rushing usage might make for a lower floor, especially early in his career. Still, he's not the worst dart throw later in redraft leagues and will be a first-round pick in dynasty formats.
Stock Watch
Risers
Fallers
For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft, check out the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide, where you can read about Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans and other rookie team fits.
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