Cam Ward and Travis Hunter's NFL Draft anticipation in Green Bay is nearly at an end
The city of Titletown was transformed for the weekend as the 2025 NFL Draft commenced at the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday night with the first round.
After holding the top pick since the end of the regular season in January, the Tennessee Titans have resisted trade offers and are determined to keep their No. 1 selection in hopes of turning their fortunes around in Nashville.
For weeks, first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan have been considering Miami quarterback Cam Ward as their top prospect. Ward, who was rated as a zero-star recruit, began his college career at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State. He then spent his final season at the University of Miami, where he set the FBS record for touchdown passes (158).
"I am excited to potentially hear my name called first and join a great organization like that," Ward said on Wednesday.
The last time the Titans held the No. 1 pick was in 1978 when they selected running back Earl Campbell, then known as the Houston Oilers.
Callahan was part of the Cincinnati Bengals organization when Joe Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020, while Borgonzi was a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs when they found their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Before his pro day, Ward had dinner with the Titans' management and declared that he was solidifying his status as the top pick.
"I like confidence. I think it's a good thing," Callahan said. "When you're in the conversation for the No. 1 pick, there's a lot that comes with it. To have fun with that is a good thing."
Ward also mentioned that the passing game concepts in Tennessee are similar to what he was used to in Miami. He has also been in contact with Warren Moon about potentially wearing the retired number 1 jersey, which was made famous by Moon during his time with the Houston Oilers.
Barring any trades, the Wisconsin fans will have to wait until later in the draft for the Green Bay Packers to make their first selection at No. 23. The Packers also have picks in the late second (54) and third (87) rounds, which will take place on Friday night. The final four rounds will be held on Saturday morning.
The quarterback position seems to be settled in Green Bay, with Jordan Love firmly holding the spot since being drafted 26th overall in 2020 and developing behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have been the youngest team in the playoffs for the past two seasons. Rodgers himself was the 24th pick in the 2005 draft.
Following a draft in 2024 where quarterbacks were selected with the first three picks and six were taken in the first round, the landing spots for the other quarterbacks in this year's class are uncertain. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart, Alabama's Jalen Milroe, and Louisville's Tyler Shough have all been mentioned as potential top 32 picks.
None of them are expected to be selected before Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the versatile player from Colorado who insists he can continue playing two positions at the professional level.
"I believe I can do it. They said I couldn't do it in college, but I won the most prestigious award in college football. You still tell me what I can't do and I'm going to go out there and do it," Hunter said on Wednesday, standing in the end zone at Lambeau Field. "Why is it important? Because I love football."
Hunter attended the NFL Scouting Combine as a defensive back, but in face-to-face interviews with teams, he expressed his desire to play both wide receiver and cornerback.
There is little debate about his ability to make game-changing plays, but teams are not in agreement about the best way to utilize Hunter's talents.
Ashton Jeanty, the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, could potentially be the first running back selected in the top five since Saquon Barkley (Giants, 2018). Jeanty is known for his ability to break tackles and make long runs. In an open letter to NFL general managers this month, he shared his own self-confidence and reminded them, "It's tackle football, you know what I'm saying? I'd draft the guy they can't tackle."
Jeanty is the standout in a deep class of running
