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The hoopla, hysteria and general hype are unrivaled around the NFL Draft, where the usual pomp and circumstance are filled with stylish suits, neck-draped bling, main-stage struts, Roger Goodell bro hugs and lifelong dreams realized. However, selfish gamers only care about one thing — Where does the rookie rank in the fantasy pecking order?
Here's an instant analysis of Cam Ward in the Tennessee Titans offense.
Wait, the Titans didn’t go long snapper at No. 1 overall. WTH? BookItWithTrent said on social media that it was the “mega whale max lock of the millennium.”
All jokes aside, Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi was dead set on Ward eons ago. For a Titans organization with a clear quarterback need, the former Miami Hurricanes star having his name called first was clear as day. Captain Obvious nods in agreement.
The former zero-star recruit isn’t the sexiest QB prospect despite the top billing. Most scouts agree he can make all the throws, but his overall arm velocity is commonly described as “adequate.”
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What stands out is the confident gamer's touch and ability to spin passes at various levels. Last season with the ‘Canes, Ward finished in the top 10 among FBS slingers in adjusted completion percentage and big time throw rate, according to Pro Football Focus. His FBS-leading 39 passing touchdowns and 10.52 air yards per attempt were most eye catching.
Unfazed and fearless, Ward will have his moments, but, in general, he’s a fringy top-25 fantasy QB in Year 1. Only an opportunistic runner, he isn’t a scoring dualist.
Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Tony Pollard and Chig Okonkwo might be decent weapons, and Tennessee’s expected exploitable defense will pump the attempts volume. However, placing Ward in the QB23-QB27 tier of Trevor Lawrence, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy feels right.