Titans make decision on top 2025 NFL Draft pick after ‘real trade interest’

There won’t be any drama atop the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Titans have locked in on Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick, NFL Network reported.

This has long been the belief around the league, but it was confirmed Tuesday morning after Tennessee closed the door on dealing away the first selection.

“After months of speculation, the consensus around the league is that the Titans will stay at No. 1 and pick, rather than trade, sources say. No surprise. Decision made,” Ian Rapoport tweeted.

“There was real trade interest. But as one team said, ‘They never opened the door.’ All eyes on Cam Ward.”

Miami’s star quarterback separated himself from Shedeur Sanders in the months after the college football season, as they were considered the top two quarterbacks in the draft.

The consensus that is beginning to form has two-way star Travis Hunter going No. 2 to the Browns and the Giants then landing Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter at No. 3.

There is still room for those two picks to change — however, the uncertainty is truly expected with the Patriots at No. 4.

It is unclear how far Sanders could fall with the former Colorado star considered one of the more polarizing prospects in years.

The Saints at No. 9 and the Steelers, who remain on Aaron Rodgers watch, at No. 21 are considered the teams most likely to draft Sanders.

However, a quarterback-needy team trading up in the draft to land Sanders if he gets past the Giants is always a possibility.

Ward, who transferred from Washington State to Miami for his final college football season, threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns for the Hurricanes.

Ward’s “ability to move around the pocket, dial up fastballs and threaten as a runner makes him the biggest QB riser this season,” ESPN draft expert Matt Miller wrote. “Multiple scouts told me Ward is QB1 in the class. He assumed the top spot in my quarterback rankings thanks to his big-play ability, experience (39 starts) and top-end arm talent.”

Ward would likely be a Day 1 starter for Tennessee, with Will Levis’ future in doubt and Brandon Allen the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.