Former NFL MVP Cam Newton and analyst Dan Orlovsky has delved into the Tennessee Titans‘ plans for the 2025 NFL Draft following comments made by Chad Brinker, the team’s president of football operations.
With the Titans holding the first overall pick in April’s draft and quarterback Will Levis as the only signal-caller under contract for next season, the discussion centered around whether Tennessee should draft a quarterback or go in a different direction.
Newton made waves by advocating for Travis Hunter, a two-way star from Colorado, as the Titans’ choice for the top pick.
“You cannot win without a quarterback in this league, but there ain’t no Travis Hunters coming out in the next one to two years, bro,” Newton told ESPN’s First Take.
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“Offensively and defensively. If I’m picking a guy, I’m thinking about multiple things. Can he play? That’s number one. Number two: Can he sell tickets? Can we get our franchise rejuvenated from this pick?”
Newton argued that Hunter‘s rare ability to dominate on both sides of the ball and his star power make him an ideal cornerstone for the franchise.
He also suggested the Titans should address their quarterback situation through free agency instead of drafting another young passer.
“It’s almost damage control if you pick another quarterback. Go get a veteran, go get a quarterback in free agency more so than a younger quarterback.”
Orlovsky and Smith push back
While Newton praised Hunter’s generational talent, Dan Orlovsky questioned the practicality of the pick, given Tennessee’s immediate need for a quarterback.
“There’s just not a lot of guys available, Cam,” Orlovsky countered. “In free agency, are you going to give a ‘gajillion’ bucks for Sam Darnold? What happens with (Matthew) Stafford in LA? Daniel Jones?”
Orlovsky also downplayed Hunter‘s potential impact in the short term, arguing that the Titans wouldn’t become competitive in the AFC solely by drafting the star cornerback-receiver.
“As much as you revere Travis Hunter, you are not flipping your organization in a year or two. Like, Travis Hunter ain’t gonna be the reason you beat C.J. Stroud,” Orlovsky said.
Stephen A. Smith sided with Orlovsky, stressing the importance of securing a quarterback.
“The Titans need a quarterback if they want to compete in the AFC,” Smith stated firmly, pointing out that a young passer would provide a better long-term solution for the franchise.