New York Giants fans have been hoping to draft Cam Ward, the University of Miami quarterback, as the future of their franchise. But those dreams may be crushed as NFL insiders are predicting Ward will go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans. Here’s why this is bad news for Giants fans and what it means for the team.
Cam Ward: The Clear No. 1?
ESPN’s NFL insider Dan Orlovsky made waves on The Pat McAfee Show when he said Cam Ward is the best player in the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Orlovsky, the Titans shouldn’t move off of No. 1.. I think he is the clear, clear, clear, clear, for me, clear No. 1 pick.
Orlovsky’s comments match what we’re hearing from insiders that the Titans were extremely impressed with Ward in the pre-draft process. It looks like Ward is going to be the first name called on draft night and teams like the Giants are in trouble.
Why Cam Ward Stands Out
Ward’s rise to the top of the draft boards has been crazy fast. After a great 2024 season at Miami where he threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, he became a Heisman Trophy finalist. His performance didn’t just wow college football fans—it got the attention of NFL scouts and executives.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Ward only solidified his status as the top QB in the draft. While Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders slipped and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart gained some ground, nobody came close to unseating Ward as the top QB.
The Giants’ Dilemma
For Giants fans, the thought of missing out on Ward is brutal. GM Joe Schoen flew to Orlando in December to watch Ward play against Iowa State and Ward’s first half was so impressive that it’s easy to see why fans are going crazy for him.
But if the Titans take Ward at No. 1, the Giants may find themselves in a tough spot. As Mike Fisher, an NFL beat writer, pointed out, this could mean the Giants have to trade up to get to No. 1 or miss out on a franchise QB.
“This can all be about New York being leveraged into paying a high price to get to No. 1 via trade,” Fisher said. “But you only get to draft this high so often so to not come away with a starting QB here? I can see why Giants fans would find that heartbreaking.”
What Makes Cam Ward Special
Ward’s game is about being effective inside and outside the pocket. Here’s what sets him apart:
- Pocket Presence: Ward’s calm and decision making under pressure impressed evaluators like Orlovsky.
- Arm Talent: He can make every throw on the field.
- Leadership: Ward’s confidence and poise is like some of the top QBs in the league.
He’s a QB for any team looking to secure their QB of the future—especially the Titans or Giants.