Titans’ Brian Callahan goes against Joe Burrow blueprint with Miami Hurricanes legend Cam Ward after Will Levis flop

Cam Ward is hoping to become everything expected of a No. 1 overall draft pick — especially at quarterback.

Although Ward has perhaps been one of the least talked-about first overall picks in recent memory, he has a chance to capture the spotlight quickly with the Tennessee Titans.

MORE: Cam Ward’s two-word mindset from Miami Hurricanes days already having major impact on Titans star

Transferring to the Miami Hurricanes last season, Ward became a national sensation. He led the Canes to one of their best seasons in recent memory while commanding the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense.

Though Ward has only been through team OTAs and minicamp thus far, SI's Albert Breer believes that Ward, “barring something unforeseen,” is going to be the Week 1 starter when the Titans face the Broncos in Denver.

However, that doesn’t mean Ward isn’t battling in a competition with Will Levis.

“The reps between Ward and Will Levis are two-to-one. Ward’s progress has been steady. If things keep going the way they have been, the No. 1 pick will start Sept. 7 in Denver,” Breer wrote.

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Titans head coach Brian Callahan is apparently learning from a mistake made last season, although it’s one he previously followed with Joe Burrow during his time as offensive coordinator with the Bengals.

“This is a reversal for Tennessee coach Brian Callahan after he handed the job to Levis last year without a competition,” Breer said. “Doing it that way in Cincinnati with Joe Burrow in 2020 worked out perfectly. After how that went with Levis, I certainly understand why Callahan would want to give Ward the chance to earn the job and for Ward’s teammates to have the opportunity to see that before getting behind him as they did Levis last year.”

Levis underperformed last year after being handed the reins. Callahan was often seen furious on the sidelines over Levis’ decision-making. In 12 games last season, Levis finished 2-10 as a starter, completing 63% of his passes for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

In a recent video of Ward’s minicamp workouts, former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert said, “I don’t think you realize how different he is.”

Benkert complimented Ward on his ability to throw from different arm angles and how effortless he makes everything look, saying his “aura is off the charts.”

The Titans have been searching for a franchise signal caller for years, with multiple options falling through. Ward just might have all the makings to finally be the guy they’ve been looking for.