The Tennessee Titans benched sophomore quarterback Will Levis midway through Sunday's lopsided defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. It marked the first official time Levis has been benched for a non-injury this season. He was replaced by veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph, who was considerably more effective.
Levis completed 8-of-12 passing attempts for 89 yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and a lost fumble. The Bengals converted his four turnovers into 24 points, scoring on every ensuing opportunity. The last straw for Levis was a poorly thrown pick-six to safety Geno Stone in the second half.
Titans head coach Brian Callahan was noncommittal regarding Levis' status during his post-game presser. There's a realistic chance that Rudolph starts Tennessee's final three contests. With the Levis era likely nearing its conclusion, we've identified three quarterback prospects the Titans may target in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cam Ward, Miami
Miami quarterback Cam Ward is in the conversation to be the first quarterback drafted. He'll be a polarizing prospect throughout the pre-draft process. Ward was electric for the Hurricanes this season, throwing for 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Will Callahan have interest in working another mistake-prone QB after the Levis experience went so poorly? Ward's decision-making under pressure has been questionable throughout 2024, something that could give the Titans' current brass pause. Either way, they're entering the offseason in a desperate situation, and Ward is among the most talented quarterbacks available in April’s festivities.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Shedeur Sanders should still be considered the favorite to be the first quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Titans currently own the No. 6 overall pick and are unlikely to position themselves in front of the QB-needy Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants.
It's worth acknowledging the Raiders play the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, though. Those two struggling squads are currently ahead of the Titans in the draft order, so the Nashville-based club could inch toward confirming a top-five selection with a defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans could become realistic suitors if the Giants and/or Raiders pass on Sanders or secure some late-season upsets.
Quinn Ewers, Texas
The Titans may not be in love with any of the perceived first-round QB prospects. Drafting a signal-caller on day two and holding a competition between that rookie and Levis offers an alternative approach to the position this offseason. If so, Texas' Quinn Ewers could appear on general manager Ran Carthon's shortlist.
It's been an inconsistent senior season for Ewers. Recurring injuries and performance-related issues have at times seen him replaced in the lineup by heir apparent Arch Manning. Ewers possesses enough arm talent and athleticism to create a pathway to success at the next level. Staying healthy and cleaning up his mechanics will be key to reaching his full potential.
