NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans' rookie minicamp was more of an orientation focused on techniques and operations than competitive practice sessions. At the final session Saturday, where media watched, Cam Ward looked poised and smooth, as we’d expect from the draft's No. 1 pick and a franchise’s new No. 1.
There wan't a great deal around him. Just six other draft picks participated, with Kevin Winston and Kalel Mullings recovering from injuries. Sixteen undrafted rookies and 11 tryout players also joined in.
The team worked in position groups and some small units, with no offense vs. defense at all.
Ward was mostly sharp, really only thrown off track by drops – two by tryout receiver TJ Sheffield, two by Elic Ayomanor and one by Chimere Dike.
Ward is listed at 6-2, 219 but looked a bit smaller than I expected. Part of that is surely that I’ve watched Will Levis (6-4, 229) and Ryan Tannehill (6-4, 217) work as the Titans’ last two starters.
His release was super-quick, if still a little unconventional, and I didn’t really notice his lower arm angles much. He had no traffic to throw through and I think the speed of that release can negate it and/or make it hard to see when he goes to a lower slot.
“He gets the ball out really fast, which is great,” Ayomanor said. “It’s something I have to get used to. …You just have to be ready. You know that he’s going to be on time every time and so you have to have that in mind every time. If you’re late, you’re late. He’s not going to be late.”
Cam Ward’s release. #Titans pic.twitter.com/2bIAojMH2q
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 10, 2025
I'm compelled to point out that a quick release is also a positive feature of Will Levis.
Ward said his primary goal is to be steady in his early days.
"Just being consistent at the playbook, being consistent in my footwork, and I would say just getting my eyes and feet together,” he said. “Just having an idea and being prepared to know what to do with the football.
“I think I did good. I’ve still got a lot of stuff I can get better on. I don’t know the whole playbook yet, but I know the majority of it. I know I’ve got a lot more work to do and I am willing to do it.”
Can Ward footwork. #Titans pic.twitter.com/fBGYaSpTw8
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 10, 2025
Monday, Ward and the rookie class will join the veterans in OTAs.
Whether he takes the first snaps or not, he will be in position to lead a lot of guys a lot older than him, a challenge for all rookie quarterbacks but one that the good ones embrace and handle.
"I’m excited to play with tenured guys who’ve done it, get a chance to finally talk to them in person, know and see what they went through their rookie year and get some advice from them,” he said. “I’m excited and I am just ready to compete against those guys in camp.”
Note: Of the 11 tryout players, I’d look for three to have a chance at getting signed.
Texas Christian tight end Drake Dabney came in with eyes on him and I think Dennis Briggs, the defensive end out of Illinois, may have earned some attention. While Sheffield had a couple drops, he too could have a chance.
