Cam Ward

Vacchiano reported that the Giants offered the number three pick, their 2026 first-rounder, “and other picks” to the Tennessee Titans for the first overall pick. The Titans obviously rejected the deal and were, according to Vacchiano, “never trading this pick.” However, it does give us a little bit of insight into how aggressive the Giants are willing to be to get their QB of the future.

A late-breaking consensus No. 1 overall selection compared to some of his recent top-pick compatriots, Ward (6’2/219) arrives in the NFL following a three-college journey that took him from FCS Incarnate Word to Washington State and then finally to Miami. His ACC capstone was worth the wait, with the 22-year-old gunslinging his way to an NCAA-leading 39 touchdown passes. His 4,313 yards passing were second only to Syracuse’s Kyle McCord. Despite popular perception, Ward even limited his turnovers, though his seven interceptions were admittedly memorable. Ward lives to press the issue, but the results were typically in his favor for the ‘Canes. The question, of course, becomes how much he can gamble in the NFL and get away with it. Despite his high 2024 aDOT (9.5), Ward drastically cut his pressure-to-sack rate from 25.0 in 2023 to 16.7. It was dramatic, as well as much needed, improvement. If we get that version of Ward in the NFL, stardom awaits. Also capable of running when the defense dictates, Ward is a big play waiting to happen even if he proves mistake prone as a rookie. The highest upside offensive prospect in this year’s draft class, Ward is a risk for the Titans, but an eminently sensible one.

According to Schefter, the Browns “inquired about the possibility of trading up from No. 2,” while the Giants put forth a “more persistent” offer to move up from the No. 3 overall pick. The Titans’ decision to hold on to the pick only adds fuel to the fire that Miami QB Cam Ward will be the No. 1 overall pick when the draft rolls around on Thursday night. Schefter says the lack of perceived blue-chip QBs outside of Ward has resulted in a relatively stagnant trade market for this year’s top picks, with Ward being the one quarterback teams are most interested in trading up for. It’s also worth remembering that Titans’ beat writer Terry McCormick reported nearly two weeks ago that the team was “sold on” Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. This feels like a done deal, barring any unexpected developments between now and Thursday.

Per McCormick, the Titans’ 18-minute talk with Ward at the NFL Scouting Combine proved to be “the big turning point” in the Titans’ evaluation process. The discussion prompted Titans brass to schedule Ward’s top-30 visit, in which Ward reportedly “wowed” attendees with his “alpha personality, astute knowledge of the game and his detailed understanding of the QB position.” The team then sent an “arsenal” of coaches, evaluators and media members to Ward’s Pro Day, which was followed days later by a private workout attended by “reclusive” owner Amy Adams Strunk. Ward is now “on track” to be drafted No. 1 overall and seemingly having “won the entire Titans organization over” during the pre-draft process.