Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward’s chances of becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft have increased as several teams look to fill their quarterback rooms after missing out on major upgrades in free agency. So while some analysts have projected Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter as potential No. 1 picks, one insider believes there is “mounting consensus” that the honor will go to Ward.
Cam Ward To Go No. 1 Overall in 2025 NFL Draft?
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that there was “mounting consensus” among NFL teams that Ward would be picked No. 1 overall, a selection currently held by the Tennessee Titans. And even should the Titans trade down, Schefter still expects Ward to be the first pick regardless.
“It certainly seems like there’s a mounting consensus that Cam Ward is going to be the No. 1 pick,” Schefter said on NFL Live.
“It certainly sounds like if they stay put, Cam Ward would be the No. 1 pick, and if a team traded up, Cam Ward would still be the No. 1 pick,” he added.
"It certainly seems like there's a mounting consensus that Cam Ward is going to be the No. 1 pick."
Based off what @AdamSchefter is hearing, even if the Titans trade back, Cam Ward will be the No. 1 pick 👀 pic.twitter.com/dC1dZM7KsR
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 17, 2025
Schefter’s claims were backed by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who stated on “The Dan Patrick Show” that the Titans were comfortable selecting Ward No. 1 overall instead of trading down.
“From what I gather, they seem pretty comfortable with Cam Ward. There’s some momentum there, with other teams I’ve talked to league-wide that they feel like they’re just going to sit there and take Ward.
“I know the interviews with Ward have gone well. They feel comfortable with the mistakes he’s made on the field. They feel like he’s done a good job of explaining those and can be coached and correct them. And he’s got the obvious upside on top of that, so to equal all that out, you sense a little momentum for the Titans to sit put.”
"From what I've gathered, Tennessee seems pretty comfortable with Cam Ward. Like there's some momentum there with other teams I've talked to league-wide that they feel like they're just going to sit there and take Ward."@JFowlerESPN today on the @dpshow pic.twitter.com/JGIWeEkK6U
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) March 17, 2025
It’s worth noting that the Titans only added Brandon Allen to their quarterback room in free agency. And with Will Levis as their only starting option, all signs point to Ward being selected No. 1 overall by Tennessee.
Ward is coming off an impressive season with Miami, during which he threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns with a 67.2% completion rate and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
PFSN’s Draft Projection for Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and the Tennessee Titans
In PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, Jacob Infante has the Titans selecting Carter at No. 1 overall, while Ward and Sanders are drafted second and third by the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, respectively.
In regards to Carter, Infante wrote, “The Tennessee Titans could take a quarterback with the first pick, but they might be hesitant to move on from Will Levis after just two years, especially in a weak quarterback class. Abdul Carter is an explosive edge rusher who entered the 2024 season with high expectations and exceeded them, which could be too enticing for the Titans to pass.
“His speed and agility make him tough for offensive tackles to block, and he’s built with long arms and a deep arsenal of pass-rushing moves. With his combination of elite physical tools, strong tape, and positional value, he’s a worthy No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.”
For Ward, Infante analyzed, “The Cleveland Browns have a lot of options at No. 2. While they could go with a defensive standout, they instead take their potential successor to Deshaun Watson in this mock draft.
“With effortless arm strength and great improvisation skills, Cam Ward makes a strong case as the top quarterback in this year’s class. How he compares to the 2024 quarterback prospects is another discussion, but at the most important position in the sport, you always aim high. Ward might have the highest ceiling in the 2025 class.”
And as for Sanders, he said, “The New York Giants might need to trade up from No. 3 if they want a quarterback in the first round. In this scenario, they stay put and still get their future starter.
“A smart, accurate quarterback who improved consistently in college, Shedeur Sanders has the tools to start in the NFL. The Giants have some pieces in place for him to work with, but when you get a shot at a potential franchise quarterback, you don’t pass it up.”