Titans' No. 1 Draft Dilemma: Shedeur Sanders vs. Cam Ward Battle Heats Up Amid Trade Talks

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Titans face a franchise-altering decision between top QB prospects Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward while entertaining lucrative trade offers for the No. 1 pick.

Titans' Scouting Process Reaches Critical Phase

The Tennessee Titans' front office conducted an intensive evaluation at Colorado's pro day, observing quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter. This comes as the organization weighs three potential paths:

  1. Selecting a franchise QB (Sanders or Miami's Cam Ward)
  2. Drafting Hunter as a generational two-way player
  3. Trading the top pick for maximum capital

Quarterback Showdown: Sanders vs. Ward

Shedeur Sanders' Case:

  • Revitalized both Jackson State and Colorado programs
  • Completed 82% of throws at pro day
  • Demonstrated elite pocket presence and deep-ball accuracy

Cam Ward's Advantages:

  • More traditional NFL-style progression reads
  • Showed rapid improvement in footwork during private workout
  • Stronger arm for cold-weather games in AFC North

Trade Market Dynamics

Multiple teams have approached Tennessee about the top selection, with the New York Giants emerging as the most aggressive suitor. Industry sources suggest the asking price includes:

  • Multiple first-round picks
  • Starting-caliber veteran player
  • Mid-round selection swaps

"If someone's trading up for a quarterback, that means there's a lot of value in it," GM Mike Borgonzi stated at the Combine. "Anytime you trade out of the No. 1 pick, you expect a big return."

Organizational Alignment

Key decision-makers including controlling owner Amy Adams-Strunk have been directly involved in prospect evaluations. The Titans' methodology includes:

  • Vertical player rankings by position
  • Cross-positional comparison metrics
  • Private workout performance analytics
  • Character assessments through teammate interviews

Draft Strategy Timeline

Date Milestone
April 15 Final private workouts conclude
April 18-20 Draft board finalization meetings
April 22 Trade offer deadline
April 24 Draft night decision

Historical Context

The Titans/Oilers franchise has selected QBs in the top 10 three times since 1997:

  1. Steve McNair (1995, 3rd overall)
  2. Vince Young (2006, 3rd overall)
  3. Marcus Mariota (2015, 2nd overall)

This decision could define the franchise's trajectory for the next decade, particularly after last season's 3-14 collapse.

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