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Insider questions current narrative surrounding Titans' draft plans
As recently as Tuesday morning, multiple noteworthy members of the NFL community suggested that the Cleveland Browns (pick No. 2) or New York Giants (No. 3) will acquire the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft from the Tennessee Titans in order to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward on the night of April 24.
However, NFL reporter Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic predicted on Tuesday that the Titans will hold onto the draft's first selection and use that asset to land Ward.
"There’s been a lot of assumption that the Titans will trade out of the No. 1 pick to accumulate more assets," Rosenblatt explained. "Has anyone ever stopped to ask why they wouldn’t just take the top quarterback prospect themselves? Will Levis is clearly not the answer. There are no other obvious solutions for a team that’s not quite a contender yet. And Ward at least has the potential to be something special, even if he’s not a surefire prospect like past No. 1 picks."
Many expect the Titans will hold onto Levis even if the club acquires multiple quarterbacks this offseason. With that said, the 2023 second-round draft pick was benched in December and hasn't yet shown he can be a franchise player at the position. According to Pro Football Reference, Levis ended the season ranked 42nd among qualified players with a 27.8 adjusted QBR. He tossed 13 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions over 12 games.
Numerous analysts along with members of NFL front offices believe all six quarterbacks selected in the first round of last year's draft were better prospects at that time than Ward. Nevertheless, Tennessee needs to find a long-term QB1 amid its ongoing rebuild. In short, those running the Titans could lose their jobs if they trade what becomes the Ward draft pick and he looks like the real deal by the time Christmas Day 2025 rolls around.
"The Titans have some pieces already in place to help him, including talented running backs (Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears), a wide receiver (Calvin Ridley) and a couple first-round offensive linemen (JC Latham, Peter Skoronski)," Rosenblatt added about Tennessee taking Ward.
On Monday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated noted that the Titans are "not quite ready" to say what they'll do with the draft's first pick. Ward warned back in February that he'll "remember" if Tennessee passes on drafting him, but it seems he has work ahead of him if he wants to convince the Titans that he'll be worth more to them than what they'd receive in a trade for the top pick.
More must-reads:
- NFL personnel reportedly leave combine with clear favorite between Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders
- Insider predicts Browns will make bold draft move that impacts QB class, Giants
- The 'Most interceptions thrown in the 2024-25 NFL season' quiz
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NFL knee-jerk reactions: Super Bowl locks, QB chaos and shocking starts across the league
Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the takes are getting hotter than a mid-September turf field. Across the league, early results are fueling bold declarations from Yardbarker NFL writers — from crowning Super Bowl champs in Buffalo and Green Bay to demanding QB changes in Cleveland and Minnesota. NFC East DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) | Believe it or not: The Cowboys are good | The Cowboys are not as shaky as some suspected. Through two games, QB Dak Prescott has an average QB rating of 88.8, but the Cowboys have played competitively. The Prescott-to-CeeDee Lamb connection (16 catches for 222 yards) is heating up, and the offense should be good enough to keep Dallas in the playoff mix. NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2) | Russell Wilson is the undisputed QB No. 1 | After a career-worst performance in Week 1, Wilson responded with a career-best performance by throwing for 450 yards (264 yards coming on deep passes) and throwing for three touchdowns in a Week 2 loss to Dallas. Wilson tied for the fourth-highest passing yards in a game in team history. Jaxson Dart, who? PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0) | Who needs a passing attack? | The reigning Super Bowl champs haven’t looked flashy, but they’ve controlled both games with a combined time of possession of 67 minutes, 26 seconds. Jalen Hurts hasn’t thrown for a touchdown, but he has rushed for three. The Eagles’ relentless ground game is working, and it’s why they’ll contend for the Lombardi Trophy again in February. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1) | Not an NFC Championship Game contender | The reality for the Commanders is they're midway through a rebuild and working with a thin roster. The team was outmatched by the Packers in a 27-18 loss in Week 2. In that game, Jayden Daniels got sacked four times and Austin Ekeler was lost for the season to an Achilles injury, removing a key threat in Washington's running game. The Commanders made a surprise deep playoff run last season, but don't expect a repeat. — Conor Killmurray NFC West ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) | Inability to close out games will doom Cardinals | The Cardinals have struggled to close both games. They needed a fourth-down stop in the red zone to prevent the New Orleans Saints from rallying from a 10-point second-half deficit in Week 1 and nearly blew a 27-9 lead to the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Aside from a 52-yard run from running back Trey Benson in Week 1, the Cardinals haven't consistently got anything going on the ground (average 3.6 yards per carry). LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-0) | Signing of Davante Adams was massive | One of the more intriguing signings of the offseason was the Rams adding Adams after the release of former star wideout Cooper Kupp. After a relatively quiet opener (four catches for 51 yards) against the Houston Texans, Adams bounced back with six receptions for 106 yards and a TD in a Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans, giving QB Matthew Stafford a strong 1-2 punch with Puka Nacua. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-0) | The 49ers have fixed special teams issues | Despite bringing in a new special teams coordinator in 14-year NFL veteran Brant Boyer, special teams issues appeared to be a problem once again for the 49ers. Jake Moody, who has since been released, missed a 27-yard field goal and had a 36-yard attempt blocked in Week 1. One week later, Eddy Pineiro hit from 44 and 46 yards in a 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints, and all is well. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1) | Dominant defense carry team | After making two interceptions against 49ers QB Brock Purdy in a Week 1 loss, the Seahawks followed that up by sacking Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers three times and forcing two more interceptions. The Seahawks lead the NFL with a 49.4% pressure rate (h/t NextGen Stats), making them a difficult unit to match up with. — Colby Colwell NFC North CHICAGO BEARS (0-2) | Not even Ben Johnson can fix this mess | Johnson picked the Bears after turning down enticing head-coaching opportunities over the past few years, and it’s possible he’s already regretting that decision. QB Caleb Williams hasn’t improved from his rookie season, the defense is a disaster and GM Ryan Poles’ draft picks aren’t panning out. It’s going to be another long, frustrating season in Chicago. DETROIT LIONS (1-1) | The interior offensive line will hold the Lions back | The Lions used to be able to rip off five yards per carry behind their elite offensive line, but this group isn’t the same without center Frank Ragnow, who retired. Jahmyr Gibbs had a 42-yard run in Week 2, but he has averaged only 3.5 yards per carry outside of that, and David Montgomery has averaged only 3.7. Detroit gave up 12 pressures, four sacks and nine tackles for loss in a Week 1 loss against the Packers. GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) | The Packers should be favored to win the Super Bowl | The Packers (+700 at FanDuel) are the third choice to win the Super Bowl, behind the Baltimore Ravens (+500) and the Buffalo Bills (+600), but they should be the favorites after blowing out the Lions and Commanders. Green Bay ranks fourth in offensive EPA per play (0.160), first in yards allowed per play (3.7) and fifth in pressures (19), and DE Micah Parsons isn’t even playing a full workload yet. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1) | J.J. McCarthy is not the answer | It’s far too early to label McCarthy a bust, but the results have been discouraging through his first two NFL starts. The 22-year-old ranks last among qualified QBs in EPA per play (-0.354) and 30th in success rate (41.7 percent). McCarthy had one great quarter against the struggling Bears, but his other seven quarters were dismal. — Jack Dougherty NFC South ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1) | GM Terry Fontenot gets last laugh | For the past two years, many have mocked Fontenot’s NFL Draft approach. In 2024, he used the No. 8 overall pick on QB Michael Penix Jr., two months after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive free-agent contract. Then he traded a 2026 first-rounder to select a second edge-rusher in the first-round of April’s draft. But Fontenot is the one laughing following Penix’s promising career start and the defense coming off a six-sack performance against the Vikings, its most sacks in a road game since 2019 (h/t Stathead). CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2) | Team blew it on run defense | The Panthers are likely ruing what could have been during free agency, when for a brief moment it appeared they had signed Super Bowl LIX-champion defensive tackle Milton Williams, who eventually landed with the New England Patriots after a last-second change of heart. Through two games, Carolina is allowing 5.2 yards per carry, the same as last season, while the Patriots rank first in stuff rate (35.9 percent)— rushing plays that result in no gain or a loss. (h/t NFL Pro). NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-2) | Head coach Kellen Moore has Saints headed in right direction | New Orleans lacks the talent necessary to compete with potential playoff teams, but that’s not Moore's fault. The Saints have lost their first two games by a combined 12 points and had an opportunity to win each late in the fourth quarter, showing impressive fight for a team with the odds stacked against it. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0) | Baker Mayfield is in the conversation for the NFL’s most clutch QB | Two games, two last-minute winning touchdown drives orchestrated by Mayfield. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has already added two memorable chapters to his career of late-game heroics, including his 25-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Egbuka in Week 1 and his 15-yard scramble on 4th-and-10 against the Vikings to extend the game, proving there are few QBs better with the game on the line. — Eric Smithling AFC East BUFFALO BILLS (2-0) | This is Buffalo’s year | Buffalo fans should plan on attending Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California to watch last year’s AFC East champions cap an undefeated season with their first Lombardi Trophy. With a league-high 900 yards of offense and 71 points in two wins, the mighty Bills and reigning MVP Josh Allen, who needed just 14 completions to beat the New York Jets in Week 2, have no match. MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) | Trade Tyreek Hill now | With a players-only meeting already in the books, the dysfunctional Dolphins are going nowhere fast. Hill had six catches for 109 yards against the New England Patriots in Week 2 and could net the team a second-round pick in a trade. With no guaranteed money beyond 2025 and a $51M cap hit for 2026, the 31-year-old receiver should already have his bags packed. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1) | Who’s Tom Brady? | Second-year QB Drake Maye completed 65.2 percent of passes in a 20-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 but connected on 82.6 percent throws of in a 33-27 win against the Dolphins in Week 2. Book him a ticket to Canton. NEW YORK JETS (0-2)| The Jets should have kept Aaron Rodgers | Rodgers looked great against his old team in Week 1 (four TD passes, no interceptions), less so against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 (one TD pass, two interceptions). But no QB looked worse than New York's Justin Fields, who completed three passes for 27 yards before leaving in the fourth quarter of a Week 2 loss to the Bills because of a concussion. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ five touchdown passes are tied with Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield and Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert for second most in the NFL. — Bruce Ewing AFC West DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) | The big free-agent signees look like flops | This offseason, the Broncos signed TE Evan Engram and LB Dre Greenlaw, but neither has bolstered the roster. The TE has just four receptions for 33 yards, and the LB hasn’t played because of a quadriceps issue. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-2) | The Chief would stink without QB Patrick Mahomes | Mahomes — who ranks fourth in the league QBR (81.4) through two games — is one of the few reasons the Chiefs are still considered a Super Bowl contender. Kansas City ranks 24th in the NFL in points (19 PPG) and is tied for 19th in points allowed (23.5). LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1) | RB Ashton Jeanty is no longer an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate| Jeanty (pick No. 6) has 30 carries for 81 yards (2.7 yards per carry) and one TD in two games. After a Week 2 loss to the Chargers, new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said they're bringing the former Boise State star along slowly. Unless he starts rolling soon, the 2024 Heisman finalist has no prayer in the OROY race. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-0) | QB Justin Herbert is an MVP contender | Through two starts, he has completed a career-high 72.1 percent of his passes for 560 yards and five TDs and logged an outstanding 81.6 QBR. — Clark Dalton AFC North BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1) | Lamar Jackson is a master of efficiency | If you’re not respecting Jackson’s ability to pass, you’re not paying attention. Since the start of the 2024 season, Jackson has the NFL’s best touchdown/interception ratio (47 TD passes to only four interceptions). CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0) | The Bengals have wasted Joe Burrow | The Bengals received a gift from the football gods when they landed Burrow with the 2020 No. 1 overall pick. But they have squandered that gift, making the playoffs twice with him and playing him behind a consistently poor offensive line. He has already missed 15 games in his career and is going to add many more to that total after suffering a toe injury in Week 2. CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2) | It’s time to start one of the young QBs | Joe Flacco, 40, is just a waste of time for Cleveland. It’s clear the Browns are a disaster and Flacco (three picks, two TD passes) should be a backup. Whether it is Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, the Browns must give one of their rookie QBs meaningful snaps...and that means starting one of them. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1) | The defense stinks | Before the season, HC Mike Tomlin and the Steelers talked a big game about what their defense would be capable of, with Tomlin using the word “historic” to describe its upside. But the defense has been anything but historic. Instead, it is getting pushed around again in the running game (allowing 149.5 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry). — Adam Gretz AFC South HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) | The offense is broken | Joe Mixon was the focal point of the offense in 2024 with 1,325 total yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns, but the running back has a foot injury and no timetable for a return. The Texans have struggled to run with Nick Chubb as their lead back, which has put more pressure on QB C.J. Stroud. Houston’s 14 points per game through the first two weeks ranks last in the NFL. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-0) | Daniel Jones is a playoff QB | The Colts are the most surprising team in the NFL, and Jones is a worthy starter after a dismal end to his career with the New York Giants. He has accounted for five total touchdowns and ranks second in the NFL with 588 passing yards. Jones looks like he has renewed confidence playing under HC Shane Steichen. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-1) | Trevor Lawrence will never live up to his contract | Lawrence signed a five-year, $275M contract extension before last season and then struggled through an injury-riddled year. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft continues to have an issue with turnovers (three interceptions in two games). Lawrence has plenty of weapons around him and a QB whisperer of a coach in Liam Coen, so he has no excuse to look average. TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2) | HC Brian Callahan won’t survive the season | NFL teams have not been patient with struggling head coaches in recent years, and Callahan might be the next to receive a pink slip sooner than expected. The Titans went 3-14 in Callahan’s first season last year and are winless in 2025. Callahan is navigating a tough set of circumstances with a rookie starting QB in Cam Ward, who has completed just 50.8 percent of his passes through his first two games, but that might not matter. — Steve DelVecchio
Bleacher Report Reveals Brewers' 'Dream Trade' This Year
The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the best teams in baseball for most of the season, though they've returned to earth over the last few weeks. Milwaukee has struggled a bit down the stretch, which is a major concern as the postseason draws closer. Either way, the Brewers' roster is loaded with talent. They have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, backed by an incredible bullpen and a solid lineup. But there are still holes on the roster. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller recently expressed concern for the Brewers at shortstop, suggesting Milwaukee would make a trade to replace Joey Ortiz if it were possible at this stage of the season. Brewers need infield help going forward as shortstop hole grows "For Joey Ortiz, it has been a tale of three seasons. During Milwaukee's 24-26 start, he was batting .170 with a putrid .441 OPS. Not only was it awful compared to his .726 mark from last year, but it was a travesty compared to the 32 home runs the Brewers got out of shortstop Willy Adames in 2024," Miller wrote. "While Milwaukee went 54-18 over the next three months, however, Ortiz was back to his old self, batting .273 with a .730 OPS. That isn't to say he was the reason the Brewers turned things around, but he was at least no longer the singular scapegoat for their offensive woes. "But as the Brewers have gone a pedestrian 14-15 over the past month, Ortiz has vanished once again. Not only did he miss 10 games with a hamstring injury, but he's both hitting and slugging .189 dating back to August 17. He hasn't homered since July 19, and he hasn't even managed an extra base hit in his last 22 games played." There are times when Ortiz looks like the next franchise shortstop in Milwaukee, and there are times when he looks like one of the worst players on the field. The Brewers likely should have added to their infield at the trade deadline, which is why Miller suggests their "dream trade" would be for a shortstop. However, the Brewers will need to find another potential franchise shortstop in the offseason. There's a chance they look to free agency or the trade market to fill this massive roster hole.
Yankees to Chase All-Star Replacement for Anthony Volpe
It's not exactly a state secret that the New York Yankees aren't completely happy with shortstop Anthony Volpe. The 24-year-old New Jersey native has struggled this year in the field and in the batters's box. He leads all American League shortstops with 19 errors while hitting a career-worst .208. During the stretch run with the Yankees trying to lock down a playoff spot, Volpe has seen his playing time cut back with trade deadline acquisition Jose Caballero getting some extended time at shortstop. When the season is over, general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have to decide if Volpe remains the club's long-term solution at shortstop. If that answer is no, look for the Yankees to go after Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette. That's according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Keegan Matheson and Alyson Footer, who held a roundtable to discuss Bichette's future. The trio initially talked about Bichette re-signing with the Blue Jays before listing other potential bidders, beginning with the Detroit Tigers. "I agree with the Tigers being a threat here," Matheson said. "Position is going to determine the field -- or perhaps even expand it -- but I'd roll the Yankees in, too. Even if he's signed as a 2B or 3B, Bichette is a bat that fits in any lineup." "Of course, I never discount the Dodgers and Yankees as potential landing spots, either," Feinsand added. "Mookie Betts could slide back into the outfield to open up shortstop in L.A., and the Anthony Volpe era could be ending as we speak. "The Yankees have second base (Jazz Chisholm Jr.) and third base (Ryan McMahon) locked up for the next year or two, so they would have to view Bichette as a shortstop for 2026 and figure it out after that," Feinsand added. The 27-year-old Bichette is hitting free agency for the first time. And at the right time. The two-time All-Star is hitting a career-best .311 this season and he leads the majors with 181 base hits and 44 doubles. Bichette has three top-20 finishes in voting for American League MVP and is a big reason why the Blue Jays currently sit in first place in the American League East, four games ahead of the Yankees. Toronto's magic number to clinch its first division title since 2015 is down to six. Make sure to bookmark Yankees On SI to get all your daily New York Yankees news, interviews, breakdowns and more! Yankees' Aaron Judge's Home Run Record In Jeopardy Former Yankees Star Sets Record Straight About Leaving Yankees' Aaron Judge Won't Reach 600 Home Runs? Insider: Aaron Judge Not Yet True Yankees Legend Yankees Star Might Break Bank After All-Time Great Comparisons
Commanders announce signing of 8-year veteran wide receiver
The Washington Commanders announced on Monday that wide receiver Chris Moore has been signed from the practice squad to the active roster. Moore made an impression in Week 1 against the Giants when he hauled in his lone target for a 34-yard reception. Now, he’ll have the opportunity to stick on the 53-man roster and carve out a bigger role moving forward. Veteran Playmaker Joins the Mix Moore has been around the league since 2016, bringing plenty of veteran experience to Washington’s wide receiver room. He has previously suited up for the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals before joining the Commanders. After initially signing to Washington’s practice squad in 2024, Moore inked a reserve/future deal with the team in January 2025. He then returned to the practice squad after training camp, waiting for his chance to contribute. That opportunity came quickly. Moore was elevated for Week 1, delivered a big play downfield, and now has been rewarded with a permanent roster spot. Over his career, Moore has totaled 139 receptions for 1,744 yards, 1,169 return yards, and 11 total touchdowns. His ability to both stretch defenses as a receiver and provide value on special teams makes him a versatile addition to the roster. The Potential Spark Washington Needs Moore’s promotion also comes at a time when the Commanders are battling injuries. Running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (quadriceps) were both placed on injured reserve, creating ripple effects across the roster. While those moves don’t directly impact the wide receiver group, they highlight how important depth is at every position. Washington also promoted defensive end Jalyn Holmes and added Chase Edmonds to the practice squad, but Moore’s signing feels like the one fans should be excited about. This offense needs extra juice. Through the first two games, Washington has struggled to find rhythm early. Moore can change that dynamic with one or two plays that flip momentum. The Commanders already have a strong trio at the top of their depth chart. But every great receiver group needs a “next man up,” someone who can step in when defenses key in on the stars or injuries test depth. Moore fits that bill. Unlike some receivers who are limited to one role, Moore brings flexibility. He can line up outside to stretch the field, slide into the slot to attack soft spots in zone coverage, and handle return duties when needed. That versatility not only gives Washington’s coaching staff options but also keeps defenses guessing.
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