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After Cam Ward was selected first overall in the NFL draft back in April by the Tennessee Titans, everyone assumed he would be immediately crowned the starting quarterback over Will Levis.
However, so far this offseason, that hasn't been the case as the two quarterbacks are splitting starting reps at practice so far.
On the quarterback competition, Titans head coach Brian Callahan talked about how the two have been handling the situation.
"They've both handled it really well," Callahan said. "I've been pleased with their demeanor and approach. Will has done a really nice job getting better at the things he needs to get better at. Cam has done a really nice job of integrating himself. ... They've both done a really nice job getting up to speed where they needed to."
While it is interesting to see that Ward hasn't already earned the starting position, that is more likely inevitable rather than the Titans actually considering starting Levis.
The Titans know what they are going to get out of Levis, and it hasn't been great in the past. He could always improve and play better going forward, but the upside he has as of now is nowhere near Ward's.
Top picks in the NFL draft are almost always immediate starters, and if they aren't, they become the starter rather quickly.
Ward will almost certainly be the starter by the time the season starts, and if he's not, it is because he is injured or just needs a little more time to get acclimated.
The Titans finished 3-14 last year, mainly because of Will Levis struggling to protect the ball. He had 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games, which isn't acceptable from a coach's perspective.
Ward also has a full round of draft capital on Levis, who was selected 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL draft.
For now, though, the team is focusing on the present and building up both quarterbacks to see what they can do in their offensive system. The season doesn't start until September, so there is plenty of time for Ward to be named the starter still.
While the story could seem significant at first glance, the reality is tthat his process is the norm for highly touted rookie quarterbacks. They need time to get acclimated to the NFL and the team's offense, and that is no different for the number one pick in the NFL draft.
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About the writer
Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth ... Read more