The Tennessee Titans drafted Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is expected to immediately replace Will Levis as the team's starter under center this season.
He will have a myriad of pass-catchers to throw to, including veterans like wide receiver Calvin Ridley and tight end Chig Okonkwo. Ward will also look to find a rhythm with rookie wideouts Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, as well as tight end Gunnar Helm.
Ridley has had the most productive NFL career out of these players, so Ward will likely lean on him during his first professional campaign. He caught 64 passes for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns last year and has three seasons of 1,000 receiving yards or more.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1).
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1).
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
On Saturday, Ridley spoke with ESPN's Turron Davenport about his feelings on the rookie quarterback. He sent a strong message about Ward's mindset and how it will benefit him in the NFL.
"To me, he a dog man," Ridley said. "He's confident. That's my thing, he's confident. That's the biggest thing coming in the league. You come in, and it's like a humble confidence, you kind of know you can play. That's what you want, someone who knows they could play, make the throws, be smart, not afraid of anybody, ready to take it on."
Ridley also touched on how his personal relationship has been with Ward so far through the first crop of OTA workouts.
"I'm excited for him," Ridley said. "Gotta keep throwing, he's gonna be good. He throws (with) great timing, the timing is up to date. I don't think it's gonna be a problem. Right now, we're just bonding to be friends, brothers, but we're working at the same time."
Ward will look to take the Titans to the playoffs this year for the first time since 2021. Their journey will begin on the road against the Denver Broncos in Week 1.