It may sound far-fetched to compare rookie Cam Ward to Patrick Mahomes, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. But Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi doesn’t think it’s such a stretch. He brought up the similarities between the two quarterbacks during an interview with NFL broadcaster Rich Eisen on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
Mike Borgonzi Compares Cam Ward to Patrick Mahomes
Borgonzi spent 15 years as a personnel executive with the Kansas City Chiefs and was the director of player personnel when the franchise drafted Mahomes in 2017. He leaned on that experience when deciding to select Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He shared a few physical traits the two quarterbacks have in common.
“Some of the characteristics I saw when we scouted Patrick—the arm talent obviously stands out with Cam. Some of the natural instincts and poise in the pocket that he has, and his ability to create outside the pocket.”
Borgonzi also noted similarities in their personalities and was impressed with Ward’s character.
“When you really got a chance to meet Cam, you know, we were really impressed with just the person. Not only his football intellect, but his leadership ability and everything. We went through the school and talked to the coaches there, Coach Cristobal.”
Borgonzi also pointed out a key connection between Ward and Mahomes. Eric Morris, now the head football coach at North Texas, coached both quarterbacks in college. Morris coached Ward at Incarnate Word and brought him to Washington State via the transfer portal when he became the offensive coordinator. Morris had also served as Mahomes’ offensive coordinator at Texas Tech.
Borgonzi said Morris vouched for Ward early on.
“The first conversation I had was when I was at the East-West game when I first got hired. There was a guy, Eric Morris, there—he’s the head coach of North Texas—and he was actually the OC for Patrick at Texas Tech. So it was a little bit of a connection there. He’s like, ‘He’s everything you want.’ He coached him at Incarnate Word and then took him to Washington State when he got hired there.”
Cam Ward to Compete With Will Levis for Starting Quarterback Job
Borgonzi also said that despite being the No. 1 overall pick, Ward won’t be handed the starting job. There will be a quarterback competition in camp between Ward and third-year quarterback Will Levis.
Borgonzi believes the competition will benefit both players.
“I think that the competition brings out the best in everyone. Will’s a young quarterback who’s still developing, but any time you take a quarterback with the No. 1 pick, your anticipation is that he’s going to one day lead the franchise and be a franchise quarterback.”