On today’s edition of Throwdown Thursday on Good Morning Football (GMFB), the crew took on one of the hottest debates of the offseason: Who will have the bigger impact in 2025 — Tennessee Titans rookie QB Cam Ward or Jacksonville Jaguars phenom Travis Hunter?
With both players taken at the very top of the 2025 NFL Draft — Ward at No. 1 overall by the Titans and Hunter at No. 2 overall by the Jaguars — expectations are sky-high for both franchises. But which player will actually change the game more in their rookie season?
Here’s how the panel broke it down:
🏈 Cam Ward – QB, Tennessee Titans (1st Overall Pick)
Kyle Brandt made the case for Ward, emphasizing the sheer weight of responsibility the rookie QB is carrying in Nashville.
“It’s got to be Cam Ward. He’s the No. 1 overall pick. He’s stepping into a franchise that’s been lost offensively for two years. They drafted him to save the Titans. Period.”
Ward, known for his arm talent, improvisational skills, and leadership, is stepping into a Titans team desperate for an identity under Brian Callahan. Following a 3–14 record in 2024, Ward’s arrival signals the start of a new era. If he clicks early with the offense, especially with a young receiver corps (now potentially missing Xavier Restrepo), Ward could turn Tennessee’s fortunes around almost overnight.
🐆 Travis Hunter – WR/DB, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd Overall Pick)
Peter Schrager, meanwhile, argued passionately for Travis Hunter as the bigger overall impact player.
“We’re talking about a two-way player, folks. Offense, defense, special teams — he’s a unicorn. This is Deion Sanders territory, and he’s going to bring instant swagger to Jacksonville.”
Hunter, who starred at Colorado under Coach Prime, brings not only dynamic play at wide receiver but legitimate shutdown ability at cornerback. The Jaguars, already boasting Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, view Hunter as the missing piece to get them over the hump in a crowded AFC playoff race.
🎙️ The Verdict:
Ultimately, the panel agreed that Cam Ward might have the higher pressure and potential value for his team’s future, but Travis Hunter might generate more immediate highlights.
Kyle Brandt:“Ward’s ceiling long-term is MVP. But right now? Travis Hunter might be on SportsCenter Top 10 every Sunday.”
Jamie Erdahl:“If you want instant impact? I’m going Hunter. But if you’re talking about franchise foundation, it’s Ward by a mile.”
🔔 Fan Reactions Pour In
Following the segment, social media exploded with fan reactions. Titans fans emphasized the need for quarterback stability after years of inconsistency. Jaguars fans, meanwhile, expressed excitement over adding a rare, electric two-way talent to a playoff-contending roster.
One Titans fan on X:“We haven’t had a QB to believe in since McNair. Ward’s gonna be the guy. Book it.”
Jaguars fan reply: “Cam’s nice, but Travis Hunter’s about to change the game on both sides of the ball. See you in the playoffs.”
Who do you think will have the bigger impact in 2025? Vote now at NFL.com/Throwdown.
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