The 2024 NFL regular season has come to an end. The Tennessee Titans have been given the first overall pick in this year’s draft after finishing this season with a 3-14 record. You can’t say expectations were high for the Titans coming into this season, especially after losing star running back Derrick Henry last offseason to the Ravens. Many did, however, expect a good progression from second-year quarterback Will Levis, He finished with 2091 yards on 63.1% completion, 13 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and 5 fumbles. It was a disappointing season for Levis because, after his decent rookie year, many saw him as the future of the Titans. It wouldn’t be fair to blame the Titans’ bad season on Will Levis alone as the team has many glaring issues they hope to fix during the offseason. One of the most important events is the draft and with the first pick, we believe 3 top candidates can help change the team for the better.
1. Cam Ward (QB, University of Miami)
The Hurricanes’ quarterback Cam Ward has had the best season of his career in his first year at Miami. Ward threw for 4313 yards on 67.2% completion, 39 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. Cam also tallied 204 yards and 4 touchdowns running the ball this year. Miami went 7-6 last year, but Ward propelled them to a 10-3 record this year alongside his number one target Xavier Restrepo. Restrepo caught 69 passes for 1127 yards and 11 touchdowns. This duo was terrorizing teams all season. Cam hasn’t only had one good year in college, but had a legendary career. Cam holds the record for the most passing touchdowns in a D1 career with 158 and before coming to Miami he had two great years at both Incarnate Word and Washington State.
What does Cam Ward mean for the Titans?
If the Titans take a quarterback with the first pick, he would be the third quarterback drafted by the Titans in the past four years. The Titans have had 5 different starting quarterbacks in the past 3 years. This revolving door of quarterbacks has not led to any success as they haven’t made it to the playoffs since 2021 or won a playoff game since 2019. Bringing in Cam Ward will hopefully bring some stability to the team and give them a dynamic playmaker for years to come. Cam is the projected number-one pick for a reason, he has elite arm talent and the best passing accuracy in the class. Ward’s pocket presence and ability to run when he has to adds another dimension to his game which makes him an even bigger threat.
2. Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Shedeur Sanders has been an integral part of Colorado’s success. Besides his stats, he is a leader and someone to look up to, which is important in the NFL. Statistically, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He possesses a 74% completion rate and averages 8.7 yards per play. He hasn’t had the best offensive line, taking 42 sacks this season, however, he has learned to adapt to this and is great at scrambling and making something happen while not in the pocket. This versatility makes him an enticing pick in experts eyes. Finally, his experience speaks for itself. He is a four-year starter who has had consistently high numbers in most offensive categories. His relationship with his receivers, especially with Travis Hunter who is his best friend, has made him a likable person who is easy to work and get along with.
What does Shedeur Sanders mean for the Titans?
Shedeur is touted as the most pro-ready quarterback in this class. He will get you a consistent 300 yards and 3 touchdowns a game while completing over 70% of his passes. He gives the Titans a natural leader who will grow with the team. Shedeur is very competitive and a great motivator, we have seen him lead his team on many game-winning drives throughout his college career. This clutch gene could help the Titans as they have lost many close games this year. Shedeur always plays hard and plays to win, his attitude is something that the Titans roster should learn from. Shedeur is not only physically ready but also mentally ready to lead an NFL team.
3. Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
Travis Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy Winner, had a season filled with impressive stats on both sides of the ball. If the Titans select Travis Hunter with the first pick, they will be getting a dual-threat player similar to his coach at Colorado, Deion Sanders. Hunter’s dual-threat ability has been questioned by NFL scouts, believing that he could only play on one side of the ball effectively in the NFL. Travis, however, believes that he can continue what he has been doing extremely well over at Colorado into the NFL. On offense, Travis Hunter has 96 receptions while traveling for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is averaging 13.1 yards per reception. Defensively, Hunter boasts four interceptions and one forced fumble. He also has 65 yards and one touchdown.
What does Travis Hunter mean for the Titans?
The Titans, led by quarterback Will Levis struggled this year. Most experts expect them to draft a quarterback with the first pick. This is not entirely true, however. There are multiple notable free-agent quarterbacks that they can sign. Sam Darnold, coming from a monster season and leading the Vikings to the playoffs, is the highest-rated free-agent quarterback. They could also sign Russell Wilson or the younger Justin Fields. With this in mind, Hunter looks more and more appealing as a top pick. With one of these three quarterbacks, Hunter will complement them well and could lead the Titans to a winning season next year.
