As the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft hits the one-week mark, the top of the board is coming into focus.
The Tennessee Titans are now widely expected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick – unless a last-minute trade shakes things up before the draft begins in Green Bay.
Ward’s rising stock makes perfect sense as his natural talent continues to impress evaluators.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky recently shared his insights on Ward during an appearance on The Ross Tucker Podcast, revealing what specifically surprised him about the standout prospect.
“Clear No. 1 for me is Cam Ward. […] I think the number one thing that surprised me about Cam was he was so much better inside of the pocket than outside of the pocket. And or that I had anticipated, I had known he was a little bit of a creative player, and maybe some wow plays outside of the pocket, but that was so much less of what the tape showed,” Orlovsky said.
“The number one thing that surprised me about Cam was he was SO MUCH better inside of the pocket than outside of the pocket than I had anticipated.”@danorlovsky7 explains why Cam Ward is his QB1: pic.twitter.com/PqP5ftKB6n
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 17, 2025
What really caught Orlovsky’s attention was Ward’s command from within the pocket.
The young quarterback demonstrated impressive poise, rarely falling for defensive disguises while consistently making smart reads.
Even more noteworthy was Ward’s quick release, delivering the ball with remarkable speed and precision.
The natural velocity and timing in his throws gave Orlovsky a new appreciation for Ward’s skill set and football IQ.
The Titans appear convinced that Ward represents their quarterback of the future, with indications they’re preparing to build their entire program around his talents.
As draft day approaches, the buzz surrounding Ward continues to grow, solidifying his position at the top of draft boards across the league.
NEXT: Colin Cowherd Has 1 Offensive Line Standout Falling To Dolphins
