The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Tennessee Titans select Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick. Ward impressed scouts with his dynamic skill set, showcasing both a strong arm and impressive mobility, solidifying his status as the top quarterback prospect in the class.
It was a deep year for quarterbacks, with 14 selected overall as they officially launched their NFL journeys. With so much young talent entering the league, all eyes will be on which rookies transition smoothly—and which may face early growing pains.
Ward Names Top Quarterback Prospect Outside of Himself
Once Abdul Carter’s injury was revealed during the NFL Combine, Cam Ward’s odds of going first overall surged. The Titans ultimately selected the Miami quarterback, signaling their belief that he can help steer the franchise in the right direction moving forward.
During a draft interview, Ward was asked which quarterback in the class—besides himself—he considered the best. Without hesitation, he named Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
Star: Titans QB Cam Ward says Shedeur Sanders is the best quarterback of the 2025 NFL draft class besides himself.
“Who’s the best QB in this draft that isn’t you?”
“Shedeur Sanders”
Even the No. 1 pick in the draft knows Shedeur is a special player… pic.twitter.com/7goaK9u4zs
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 2, 2025
Sanders would not hear his name called until the fifth round when the Cleveland Browns selected him, even after trading up to select Dillon Gabriel two rounds prior.
Sanders finished the 2024 college football season winning the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Award as he completed 353 of 477 (74.0%) of his passes for 4,134 yards with 37 passing touchdowns to 10 interceptions en route to also finishing eighth in the 2024 Heisman Trophy voting.
Ward had an outstanding season with the Hurricanes, showcasing both his arm talent and mobility, while Sanders took noticeable strides in elevating his game at Colorado. The two quarterbacks trained together in the lead-up to the draft and appeared to form a strong bond throughout the process.
Their connection was evident, as Ward even mentioned Sanders by name during his introductory press conference, a gesture that spoke to the mutual respect and budding friendship between the two rising stars.
“He’s a good quarterback. Especially the plays that he made at Colorado; a lot of quarterbacks in the country aren’t making those plays,” Ward said during his press conference.
It will be interesting to see if these two will go head-to-head in 2025, as the Titans and Browns are scheduled to meet in Cleveland this season. The exact date and time won’t be known until the NFL schedule is officially released on Wednesday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET.