On Wednesday, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr. and Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal engaged in a public discussion regarding quarterback Cam Ward. Last month, the Tennessee Titans made headlines by selecting a standout Heisman Trophy candidate as the first overall pick in the draft. This choice seemed almost straightforward for the Titans, especially after Travis Hunter was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars after they traded up with the Cleveland Browns.
Kiper had been surprised by Sanders’ draft decline, which led to some spirited exchanges on air with Ledge Davis, particularly when the Browns opted for a quarterback later in the fifth round. In response to Kiper’s comments, Cristobal indicated that he and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson hadn’t actually communicated with Kiper about Ward, despite Kiper’s assertion of having spoken to “a million people.” “I don’t think I’ve spoken to him,” Cristobal remarked, adding that he wasn’t particularly troubled unless Ward was disappointed personally. He expressed his hope that Ward would get called during the draft and could start focusing on his career.
Meanwhile, Kiper countered Cristobal’s remarks, suggesting that while Cristobal may have spoken to many, the evaluations from other draft experts placed Ward higher than Cristobal’s assessments. This was Kiper’s first social media post since April 23, revealing that the unexpected fall of Sanders still lingered in his mind.
Ward is anticipated to take on the quarterback role as the Titans gear up for their season opener against the Denver Broncos on September 7, 2025.
