Titans Draft Cam Ward First Overall in 2025 NFL Draft

Green Bay, Wisconsin — The Tennessee Titans selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night. This move was widely predicted by experts leading up to the draft and marks the third consecutive year in which a quarterback has been picked first overall.

Ward’s selection came shortly after the Chicago Bears took a quarterback with the top pick in 2024 and the Carolina Panthers chose Alabama‘s Bryce Young first in 2023. The last non-quarterback selected first was Georgia defensive end Travon Walker in 2022.

Despite Ward’s predictable choice at No. 1, the rest of the first round featured surprising twists. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to No. 2, sending the No. 5 pick and additional assets to the Cleveland Browns to select dynamic two-way player Travis Hunter from Colorado. Hunter has expressed a desire to contribute as both a cornerback and wide receiver.

The most shocking moment of the night occurred when Hunter’s teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was not selected in the first round. Initially projected to go high, Sanders’ absence on draft night raised eyebrows.

This year’s draft class, while considered one of the better ones in recent years, ultimately showed fewer top-tier prospects compared to 2024. The Seahawks made headlines by selecting guard Grey Zabel at No. 18, defying expectations as he was anticipated to go on Day 2.

While the 2024 draft featured six quarterbacks in the top 12 picks, only Ward was chosen early this year. The first 12 picks included seven players from the offensive or defensive lines, demonstrating a shift towards bolstering the trenches.

Another quarterback, Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, was finally picked at No. 25 by the New York Giants, who had traded back into the first round after selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter third overall.

This year’s draft was historic as it was held in Green Bay, just outside the iconic Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers. Rounds two and three are set to begin Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time, with the remaining rounds scheduled for Saturday.