Thats great and all until Ward turns into Geno Smith, while Mendoza becomes a more athletic Jared Goff.
Which QB should the Rams draft in the 1st Round next year?
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Why is he going to turn into Geno Smith? Meanwhile you get two or 3 good players for the trade and Mendoza goes to the Raiders and has no chance.
Not that I think the Raiders will trade up they only go for veteran reclamation projects.
Interesting thought for sure.
So, maybe they get the 23rd for Ward. That's quite a bit of depreciation from him being the #1 pick a year ago.
If they trade the #1 pick now they get at least two 1sts plus change or maybe three 1sts depending on how far they drop.
Mendoza would have to be that much better than Ward to make it worth it.
Maybe you get better than a pick in the 20's. Maybe the Steelers give you 15 or wherever they end up? Maybe you get a first and a 3rd or whatever? What is important is if you identify Mendoza as being special, or a much better prospect than Ward, how do you pass on him?
I am just saying if they have concerns about him, and thus far he has been less than promising, how do you pass on a guy if your scouting dept and coaches see him as having better upside? Especially considering the position he plays?
Not to mention didn't they fire their coach? So a new coach is coming in and he might have a preference for Mendoza. If so what do they do?
Just throwing that scenario outthere.
Mendoza is going to be somewhere from good to outstanding in the NFL. Also I think he will be graded high enough to where a coach like McVay would consider moving up for him. To me he's a better QB prospect than Ward was, who was taken high on more upside. There's no way he's not the first pick in this draft, but he's also not one of those rarely graded QBs who the top team is going to take barring a situation where he threatens to hold out.
It is going to make the draft build-up really cool knowing that Tennessee is likely to trade out.
Also I think McVay is a pass-first coach. He's not Shanahan and fundamentally his scheme throws to open the run. He has in addition said that he doesn't want to live in check down hell, paraphrasing. His preference is to stretch the field. So boil it down and he requires one of those QBs who can move an offense and compete without the benefit of the run game.
Simpson when he was playing balls out earlier this year was a guy I figured McVay would love. But I just feel like he's got to sustain that performance to end up going high because you gotta project these guys to the NFL and he gives up some of that size compared to many of the best QBs in this league. We'll see where he ends up slotting though. I don't stack a full board and all that so I'm just throwing out guesses here on where these guys end up.
It is going to make the draft build-up really cool knowing that Tennessee is likely to trade out.
I think there are two types of QBs who are legitimate starters. The ones who can move an offense and compete without the benefit of a run game, and everyone else.
Also I think McVay is a pass-first coach. He's not Shanahan and fundamentally his scheme throws to open the run. He has in addition said that he doesn't want to live in check down hell, paraphrasing. His preference is to stretch the field. So boil it down and he requires one of those QBs who can move an offense and compete without the benefit of the run game.
Simpson when he was playing balls out earlier this year was a guy I figured McVay would love. But I just feel like he's got to sustain that performance to end up going high because you gotta project these guys to the NFL and he gives up some of that size compared to many of the best QBs in this league. We'll see where he ends up slotting though. I don't stack a full board and all that so I'm just throwing out guesses here on where these guys end up.
You do make a fair point re: the new coach coming in. But if you were to sell Ward this early in his career, and given the fact he's struggled as a rook with that team around him, it is tantamount to selling low on a valuable possession.
Here's Simpson postgame enduring the questions. I don't like how he speaks, and it's hard to imagine him as a face of a franchise in that regard, however I do like his demeanor. He looks fuckin pissed. 
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opGO41kbS9M
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opGO41kbS9M
So I'm going to put Fernando close behind LaNorris as my QB preference in this coming draft.
I like Drew Aller as well...
LaNorris has the most upside to me, but I'm sold on Fernando now as well
I like Drew Aller as well...
LaNorris has the most upside to me, but I'm sold on Fernando now as well
Understood, but do you compound a potentially bad pick by passing on a potentially much better QB? It's a tough situation that they could be in IF they doubt Ward now. Hey, maybe they don't doubt him, but it is a potential scenario that could be playing out.
Heck, fans have complained how the Rams passed on Matt Ryan just because they extended Bulger the year before. They would have looked dumb drafting Ryan, but in hindsight it would have been the better move had they drafted him. This could be similar, although not as bad since Ward didn't get Bulger-like money as a rookie, and he hasn't proven to be a solid QB like Bulger had.
The problem is the former is extremely rare in the NFL. A unicorn. And even that player has to be in an offensive system conducive to such AND have above average to great targets.
BTW, Mendoza worked with a top 10 rushing attack that averaged 5.6 yards per carry and a lot of RPOs. His 3rd best back finished only 41 yards less than Alabama's top rusher. Bama's rushing attack didn't even crack the top 100 and only averaged 3.7 yards per carry.
The GM that drafted Ward is still there its just the coach who couldn't coach that's gone. We get it you don't like Ward, doesn't mean the te are going to pass on him.
We get it you dont like Ward but the biggest mistake would be to bail on him instead of building up the team which you have to do no matter who your QB is.
I don't have anything against Ward, just throwing out a scenario that could happen. I could care less what the Titans do.
I will say though that Ward never won big games in college, against teams like Oregon & Ohio St in the circumstances like Mendoza just did. So it makes you wonder what the Titans might be thinking. Hey, what if Mendoza plays huge in these playoffs and just continues to elevate his play? What do the Titans do? That's all I am saying. It's an interesting situation.
I completely get what you are saying and yes this is not a knock on Ward at all. It's fun to think of these scenarios.
This is a fascinating and intricate hypothetical, especially since Cam Ward was a recent No. 1 overall pick for the Titans (in the 2025 NFL Draft, based on the search results), and Fernando Mendoza is projected to be a top quarterback prospect in the upcoming 2026 draft. Trading a highly-drafted QB after just one season to take another indicates a major shift in the team's philosophy or an immediate realization that the first pick wasn't the right fit.
Here's a breakdown of what that trade might look like and potential partners:
The Hypothetical Scenario
The Titans, holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, decide to move on from Cam Ward after his rookie season. They want to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, who is projected as the top QB in the 2026 class.
1. Why the Titans Would Make the Trade
* Realizing the Mistake: Ward's performance in his rookie year may have been underwhelming, leading the Titans' front office to believe he is not their long-term franchise QB.
* Draft Position Advantage: They hold the No. 1 pick again (or a very high pick), and a team desperate for a QB offers a haul too big to ignore.
* Mendoza as the Perfect Fit: The new regime (or a change in offensive coordinator) views Mendoza's specific skillset (size, accuracy, cerebral approach) as a better match for their offense.
2. Fernando Mendoza's Projection
Fernando Mendoza from Indiana is projected as a top QB prospect (likely a Top-5 pick, possibly No. 1 overall) in the 2026 Draft. He is described as a cerebral, accurate, pocket passer with enough mobility, often compared favorably to Kirk Cousins. He is a Heisman candidate who led Indiana to an undefeated start.
3. Cam Ward's Trade Value
Ward was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. A trade after just one season would be unprecedented for a top pick, which complicates his value.
* Post-Rookie Value: His draft capital is still massive, but his performance will dictate the return. If he played poorly, the acquiring team takes on the risk and a significant cap hit.
* Contract Situation: As a former No. 1 overall pick, he is on a costly rookie deal with a huge amount of guaranteed money. A Post-June 1st Trade in 2026 would save the Titans $840,000 in 2026 cap space but leave $8,039,928 in dead cap that year and over $24 million in 2027. The acquiring team would take on the remaining cost and a potential 5th-year option.
Good Trade Partners for Cam Ward
The ideal trade partner is a team that needs a QB, believes Ward is a reclamation project or an upgrade over their current starter, and has the necessary draft capital.
* Cleveland Browns: (Most likely partner, according to mock drafts) The Browns are projected to be in need of a franchise QB and are mentioned as a team with the draft capital (two 2026 1st-round picks) to aggressively pursue a QB. They could see Ward as a high-upside alternative to a rookie.
* New York Jets: Also a team with a clear QB need, a defensive-minded coach, and available draft capital (including multiple high picks from recent trades). They have a history of looking for veterans or high-upside players to solve their issues.
* Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders are perennially in the market for stability at the position. If their 2025 QB situation doesn't pan out, Ward could be a target for a new regime.
* Pittsburgh Steelers: Mentioned as a team that might seek a veteran via trade if they can't draft a top prospect. Ward, though only a second-year player, would be an established high-pedigree player.
The Proposed Trade Scenario
This scenario involves two separate trades for the Titans to successfully pull off the plan: trading Ward and trading their No. 1 pick to ensure they still get Mendoza.
Trade 1: Cam Ward to the New York Jets (QB-Needy Team)
| Titans Receive | Jets Receive |
|---|---|
| 2027 1st-Round Pick | QB Cam Ward |
| 2026 2nd-Round Pick | |
| 2027 4th-Round Pick | |
* Analysis: This is an optimistic haul but reflects the capital spent to acquire Ward a year prior. The Jets get a young, high-upside QB without having to sacrifice immediate 1st-round capital, and the Titans recoup a future 1st to build their roster.
Trade 2: Titans Trade No. 1 Overall Pick to the Cleveland Browns
Assuming the Titans have the No. 1 overall pick and the Browns have a pick around No. 5 and a second 1st-rounder (e.g., No. 28 from another trade).
| Titans Receive | Browns Receive |
|---|---|
| 2026 1st-Round Pick (No. 5 overall) | 2026 1st-Round Pick (No. 1 overall) |
| 2026 1st-Round Pick (No. 28 overall) | |
| 2027 3rd-Round Pick | |
* Analysis: The Browns leapfrog other QB-needy teams to draft Fernando Mendoza at No. 1. The Titans move down four spots and acquire a second 1st-rounder and a future 3rd, significantly boosting their roster-building capital.
The Final Step
With the No. 5 overall pick (acquired from the Browns), the Titans then draft their new franchise quarterback, another highly-rated prospect like Dante Moore (Oregon) or another top player who has fallen out of the top two. However, if they are dead set on Fernando Mendoza, they cannot trade the No. 1 pick.
Alternative Scenario (If they MUST draft Mendoza at No. 1):
If the Titans' goal is to get Mendoza at No. 1, they would simply trade Cam Ward for as much draft capital as possible and use the No. 1 pick on Mendoza.
| Titans Receive | Raiders Receive |
|---|---|
| 2026 2nd-Round Pick | QB Cam Ward |
| 2027 2nd-Round Pick | |
* Analysis: This haul is smaller but more realistic for an underperforming QB one year into a massive rookie deal. They then draft Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall.
Jets would win that trade
I think there is a "chance" Tennessee Drafts Mendoza and trades Ward. I'm pretty sure they could get a 2nd Round pick for him at least, or a late 1st from a good team. Better chance they trade the pick for a bag, but im giving the Draft Mendoza/trade Ward scenario definite credence, one added reason is they move in to new Stadium next year. The whole "fresh start" thing.
It's the choice of words that gives the wrong impression.
Realize the mistake they made with Ward.
That choice of phrase conveys that opinion from the person saying it. Even if you later say you don't dislike the guy you've already set the tone.
Now if it had been phrased "If they think they made a mistake in Ward" youre 100% putting it on the Titans and not you.
That said how does a GM keep his job by bailing on the QB he took first overall by taking another QB the following year? If I'm the team owner or president that guys fired for even suggesting it because it tells me I made a mistake with them.
I don't disagree in terms of Mendoza being likely the first QB taken, but let's hit the brakes on anointing him better than Goff
He is not being asked to make NFL reads; call audibles; take the ball under center; turn his back on the action before going through progressions, and so forth. He isn't facing anywhere near the level of competition he would be asked to beat in the NFC West and yet has struggled against good [not necessarily elite] defenses
There are other QBs in this draft with probably as a good a shot at greatness for a whole host of reasons
I like him, but I do not see a QB who screams day one starter like others before him
I think you quoted the wrong person brother. I don't remember sharing those opinions.
I just don't follow the Titans so not really qualified to even "fan" over whether Ward is the problem. Rookies are gonna rookie. Also this is the same team that shitcanned Levis quickly, who in comparison did some good things mixed in with hero ball nonsense. So do they really need to take Mendoza? I have no idea.
But their next coach may have something to say on that. Unless they hire him based on the agreement he will live with Ward. Which is where you get back to the importance of owners in the conversation.
I figure they will sell the pick and try to use it to build the roster. But with that owner who knows. She fired one GM a year in to her tenure. So if she thinks Ward is shit then why would you let that GM pick another QB. So it goes. But again I haven't seen enough of Ward to have an opinion based on actual field play I've seen.
They're not that rare. Allen, Stafford, Mahomes, Herbert, Burrow, Rodgers are all of that level among the vet QBs who started game one this year in the league. Of the young kids I consider Maye and Dart possibly joining them. Stroud I think is already among them, he's just having induced struggles. Rodgers is on the way out very soon, so even removing him that's roughly eight of the QBs to my eye who are good enough to threaten defenses without a run game.
This draft Mendoza will probably add to that group. This stuff is subjective, but each year NFL teams are basically trying to find those guys. The greatest QB draft ever had 3 of them go in round one, those being Elway, Kelly, and Marino, but both Blackledge and Eason went before Marino which was fucking absurd given that Marino was one of the very best QBs in league history at carrying an offense without a run game. So while you're only gonna have maybe one of them in a given draft class, they won't necessarily go 1 overall or even in the top 3. Dart is a great example of that NFL team groupthink effect, though he may not last long if he gets another coach who wants to run him to move the chains.
Moore may be one of them if he comes out this year btw. I think both him and Maiava have the toolset to be that level of QBs but they're gonna be lottery tickets much moreso than Mendoza. He's just more of a sure thing who will do the work and has all the tools but it doesn't guarantee anything of course.
Watched everything I could find on Sorsby last night. Total Dart vibes with his film. Similar player in his game with the pocket instincts, feeling the rush, and when to run. Makes big throws. Magnetic personality as well. And being listed at 6'3" means he's at least 6'2" lol.
So I like his game very much. If I was him I'd come out because he'll probably go higher this year than next.
So I like his game very much. If I was him I'd come out because he'll probably go higher this year than next.