Titans get their man! Now for a Lombardi

Cam Ward was destined to be a Tennessee Titan, no matter what.

Now, I have no problem admitting when I’m wrong. OK, that’s a lie. I hate admitting I’m wrong. And I’m not about to admit that now.

However, I will say that perhaps I have prematurely judged the Tennessee Titans’ first overall draft pick, quarterback Cameron Ward.

In the time since his name was called, Ward has shown a different side to that previously seen during his time at college. Therefore, I will reserve any further judgement until we see more from him.

Number 1 pick, number 1 jersey number

Perhaps Ward really can be the quarterback the team needs. The last time the team picked first, way back in 1978, they were the Houston Oilers. That pick, of course, was none other than Hall of Fame legend Earl Campbell and he certainly made a lasting impression. I hope Ward does likewise.

Another Titans Hall of Famer, Warren Moon, made headlines this weekend. The franchise legend permitted Ward to wear his number #1 jersey and presented it to Ward during a press conference welcoming him to Tennessee.

The coaching staff really did not want to give up that coveted first pick. The New York Giants reportedly offered a king’s ransom – their 1st Round picks this year and next year, as well as additional selections – to move up from #3. It was the largest offer the Titans received but they were not going to budge.

More power to the offense

Of course, the Titans had other picks over the three-day extravaganza in Green Bay. With nine selections in total, Tennessee stacked up on the offensive side of the ball, picking two wide receivers, a running back, a tight end and a guard to go with their new quarterback.

The front office also bolstered the supporting cast for the likes of defensive linemen Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat with a safety, an edge and a cornerback.

Two of the prospects I had an eye on – and there were a few – were drafted. Wide receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor both impressed me at the Combine and made it on to my ‘ones to watch’ list.

Outside of the draft, we also signed receiver Tyler Lockett a few days before. Despite being a new arrival himself, the forner Seahawk tweeted after each draft pick, individually welcoming the rookie to the team.

Barely a day after those proceedings had ended, the team picked up another wideout in the form of undrafted free agent Xavier Restrepo.

Looking ahead with confidence

For the first time since January, I can say that I am excited to see what next season holds. I honestly think that with the right training, and the right combination of new and old players along with a ‘star’ quarterback, the Titans can really make a push for the playoffs.

In summary, the Titans are really shoring up their offensive side of the ball, which will make for an interesting training camp and pre-season. I cannot wait to see them start to duke it out over who gets those coveted starting positions come D-day in September.