2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. highlights 'explosive' traits for moving Cam Ward to No. 1 pick in latest mock

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is projecting the Tennessee Titans select former Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. During a special on SportsCenter Tuesday, Kiper explained why he believes Ward will be the first player off the board in this year’s draft.

“Cam Ward, with the explosive arm talent, is the reason why I think he goes No. 1 overall for the Tennessee Titans,” Kiper said. “The arm angles, mobility — he cut down on the sacks this year from what it was at Washington State over a two-year period. Accuracy never waning. He was at 67% at Washington State, 67% at Miami.

“Now, careless and reckless at times. He’ll put the ball in harm’s way still despite those interceptions. He’s got to work on that. That’s what hurt Will Levis and [Titans head coach] Brian Callahan last year when they were together. Cam Ward, though, like I said, the arm talent, the mobility and that potential at the pro level, is the reason why I think Brian Callahan handpicks a quarterback.

“If he loves him, you take him No. 1. If he doesn’t, then you maybe trade down or you take an Abdul Carter. But if you’re looking at a quarterback with a skillset that’s going to be tough to pass up for Tennessee and Brian Callahan at the No. 1 overall spot, it would be Cam Ward.”

Earlier this year, Kiper still believed the Titans weren’t going to draft a quarterback and that the organization would keep moving forward with QB Will Levis. However, Kiper is now all-in on the idea of the Titans drafting a QB.

Ward would be a promising addition. The 6-foot-2 standout transferred to Miami ahead of the 2024 campaign after spending two seasons at Washington State. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, Ward tallied a program-record 4,313 passing yards and 39 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions.

Ward never looked rushed and maneuvered the pocket with the poise of an NFL veteran. He also racked up 204 yards and four scores in the ground game this past season.

For his efforts, Ward was named one of the four finalists for the Heisman Trophy. Although Ward didn’t reel in the coveted award, he did win the 2024 Davey O’Brien Award, which annually honors the nation’s top quarterback. He was also named the ACC Player of the Year.

Cam Ward won’t have to wait much longer to find out where he lands at the next level. The NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.