Perhaps Cam Ward really can be the quarterback the team needs.
Now, I have no problem admitting when I am wrong. Okay, that is a lie. I hate admitting it and I am not about to do so 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 seen during his time at college in Miami.
So, I will reserve any further assessment until we see more from him.
Number 1 pick, Number 1 jersey
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, who certainly made a lasting impression. I hope Ward does likewise.
Another Titans Hall of Famer, Warren Moon, made the headlines this weekend. The franchise legend permitted Ward to wear his number #1 jersey and presented it to him during his welcome press conference.
The New York Giants reportedly offered a king’s ransom to move up from pick three. They offered their first round picks for this year and next year, as well as additional selections.
It was the largest offer the Titans received for that coveted first overall pick but the front office was not going to budge.
Cam Ward was destined to be a Tennessee Titan, no matter what.
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, they stacked up on the offensive side of the ball with 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 NFL Combine and made it on to my ‘ones to watch’ list.
A few days before the draft, Tennessee also signed receiver Tyler Lockett. Despite being a new arrival himself, the former Seahawk tweeted after every draft pick, individually welcoming each rookie to the team.
And barely a day after the 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 for us.
I honestly think that with the right training, and the right blend of new and old players with a ‘star’ quarterback, the Titans can push for the playoffs.
The Titans have clearly shored up their offensive side of the ball, which will make for an interesting training camp and pre-season.
I cannot wait to see everyone duke it out for those crucial starting positions come D-Day in September.
Tennessee Titans draft picks
- Pick #1 – Cam Ward – Quarterback, Miami
- Pick #52 (trade with the Seattle Seahawks) – Oluwafemi Oladejo – Edge, UCLA
- Pick #82 – Kevin Winston Jr. – Safety, Penn State
- Pick #103 – Chimere Dike – Wide receiver, Florida
- Pick #120 – Gunnar Helm – Tight end, Texas
- Pick #136 (trade with the Baltimore Ravens) – Elic Ayomanor – Wide receiver, Stanford
- Pick #167 – Jackson Slater – Guard, Sacramento State
- Pick #183 – Marcus Harris – Cornerback, California
- Pick #188 – Kalel Mullings – Running back, Michigan
