It's the beginning of April, and for NFL fans, the excitement is building toward the start of the 2025 NFL draft. In roughly three weeks, the pre-draft hype will be over, and the commissioner will be strolling to the podium to put the Tennessee Titans on the clock with the first pick.
For many, the Titans' taking quarterback Cam Ward with the top pick is a foregone conclusion. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that this will be the case, and the team is reviewing every option available.
Analysts remain strong, believing Tennessee will take Ward with that pick. The latest is Field Yates of ESPN, who has the Titans following through with that in his two-round mock draft.
1. Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Absent a "Godfather"-style trade offer -- one the Titans cannot refuse -- I fully expect Tennessee to take Ward and build this franchise around him. He had an incredible 2024 season in which he led the FBS in passing touchdowns with 39, and he's the best innovator in the quarterback class when the play breaks down. While this group of quarterbacks does not stack up to last year's elite class, most evaluators I've spoken with view Ward as the clear top signal-caller and worthy of the first pick.
The Titans still have Will Levis, but after he finished 31st in QBR (37.3) and threw the second-most interceptions (21) in 2024, they will be looking for an upgrade.
Yates follows Ward's selection by giving the Titans’ defense a potential playmaker on the edge with their second-round selection.
35. Tennessee Titans - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
It's tempting to give Ward and the Titans an offensive playmaker, but the team can fill another pressing need with Ezeiruaku. He had the most pressures (65) and second-most sacks in the FBS (16.5) last season, and he could easily replace Harold Landry III on the edge.
Ezeiruaku is an intriguing edge prospect who would likely be a much higher pick if he were taller than the 6-foot-3 inches he measured at the combine. He is an explosive and productive pass rusher who could give the Titans the consistent presence they lacked in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans land top QB and edge prospect in latest Field Yates mock
