Would the Tennessee Titans grab Shedeur Sanders with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft? NFL analysts are beating the drum loudly for it.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was screaming at deafening volumes for it to happen during an appearance on “First Take.” His main point is that it would be insanely stupid for the Titans to pass on a generational talent in favor of Will Levis.
The Titans quarterback threw for 3,889 yards and 21 touchdowns (16 interceptions) in 21 starts over two seasons, with a 61% completion percentage. In 2024, he suffered a Grade 2 AC joint sprain that caused him to miss time. Levis was cleared to return, then eventually benched for backup Mason Rudolph down the stretch. The former second-round pick has two seasons remaining on his four-year rookie deal.
Shedeur Sanders Has That ‘It’ Factor, Says Stephen A. Smith
Sanders is probably the most well-known name in this year’s draft due to his dad’s celebrity status, Colorado coach Deion Sanders. Most analysts have quarterback-needy teams selecting between Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward in the top half of the first round.
The Titans control the No. 1 overall pick in the current NFL Draft order, so they will have first dibs on Sanders if they want him. According to Smith, Tennessee would be fools to pass him up and stick with “Mr. Mayonnaise” as their starting quarterback in 2025.
Should the Titans draft Travis Hunter or a QB with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft? 🤔
"Generational player. [Travis Hunter] said it in his own words." —@CameronNewton pic.twitter.com/RqXjseEAPP
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 23, 2025
“I’m not passing up on a quarterback when I got ‘Mr. Mayonnaise,’ Will Levis, at quarterback,” Smith said. “… That brother needs to go. I can’t tell my team that, you know what? Work your tail off, bust your tail, do all you can … because we’re trying to win, and I’m gonna have Will Levis as my quarterback … Shedeur Sanders ain’t no damn slouch. This brother has that ‘it’ factor.”
Meanwhile, Cam Newton threw some fuel on the fire when he suggested the Titans might be wise to take Colorado’s Travis Hunter at No. 1. He won the Heisman Trophy after excelling as a two-way star at cornerback and wide receiver, making 92 receptions for 1,152 yards while collecting four interceptions and 11 pass breakups.
Newton said: “You instantly thrust a guy like Travis Hunter into the fold, now it gives you that type of identity that you want to go after and … generational player. He said it in his own words.”
Mel Kiper Jr. Releases First NFL Mock Draft
Long-time draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. released his first mock draft for ESPN on Thursday, Jan. 23, and he tabbed Ward to the Titans at No. 1.
Kiper admitted to having Sanders ranked slightly higher on his big board but thinks Ward may be a better fit for Tennessee due to his “creativity, mobility, and strong arm.”
More on Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 and Cam Ward going 1st overall to the Titans
“Everybody I spoke to thought Cam Ward over Shedeur…I got one Shedeur” pic.twitter.com/1231Dwwdx2
— Liam Willerup (@theleftyliam) January 23, 2025
Ward led the nation in touchdown passes (39) in 2024 while ranking second in passing yards (4,313) en route to winning the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award at Miami.
“I’m sure new general manager Mike Borgonzi will listen to trade offers here, but his real decision should come down to Ward vs. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders,” Kiper said of the Titans’ pick. “Ward has the early top-pick buzz around the league, though, so that’s where I’m leaning for now.”
Titans GM Promises To ‘Turn Over Every Rock’
Newly signed Titans general manager Borgonzi promised to “turn over every rock” at the quarterback position during a recent press conference, as transcribed by the team’s official website.
Borgonzi said Levis would get “every opportunity” to win the job, but there will be competition at training camp. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be battling a rookie quarterback or a veteran free agent. Either way, nothing has been promised.
“We’re keeping an open mind on this, but the quarterback is the most important position arguably in sports, so you have to solidify the quarterback position,” Borgonzi said.