Titans rookie QB Cam Ward showing three key things at training camp

During training camp, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward is showing the traits that made him the No. 1 pick in April. 

The Miami Hurricanes product didn't back down in OTAs this spring, either, like when Ward head-butted defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons in June. Ward continued to trash-talk with Simmons while receiving play calls from head coach Brian Callahan.

The trash-talk didn't get in Ward's head, and the quarterback made big plays after verbally spatting with his teammate.

Per Turron Davenport of ESPN, the rookie quarterback has carried over three impressive traits of resilience during training camp that he showed early on at OTAs.

"I think the main thing, coolness, calmness and confidence, those are the three things for Ward, I think, that really show," Davenport said during an appearance on "NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov" this week. "And it's like he could make a mistake and he's going to turn around in the next play, go right back at it.

"I think that's a good sign. Still unproven, so I'm not going to say he's a good quarterback already, but I think the seeds have been planted."

Davenport was also impressed with the special throws Ward can make in the pocket. He's been able to throw sidearm passes and can catch the defense off guard with the run-pass option.

Those are tools that Ward can use to his advantage when he gets used to the speed of the NFL in the regular season. Until then, Ward needs to use his mental strength while he adjusts to the Titans' offense.

Having confidence and calmness in the regular season will serve Ward well. As long as he doesn't get rattled like most rookies do, he'll continue to make progress until things slow down for the young quarterback.