PFF: Cam Ward–Calvin Ridley Place 28th in League-Wide QB-WR Rankings — A New Era Begins in Tennessee
Nashville, TN — As the 2025 NFL season draws closer, the annual Pro Football Focus (PFF) positional and tandem rankings have sparked discussions across fan bases and front offices alike. One pairing that caught particular attention is the Tennessee Titans’ new quarterback-wide receiver duo: Cam Ward and Calvin Ridley, who landed at 28th in PFF’s league-wide QB-WR rankings.
While that may not seem like a glamorous spot, for Titans fans and analysts, it represents a foundation in progress and the dawn of a potentially exciting new chapter in Tennessee football. Given Cam Ward’s status as a rookie signal-caller entering the league with high upside and Calvin Ridley’s established pedigree and bounce-back potential, the ranking is as much a reflection of uncertainty as it is of untapped promise.
A Rookie Rocket: Cam Ward’s NFL Arrival
Coming off a standout collegiate career, Cam Ward, the former Washington State and Miami (FL) quarterback, was selected by the Titans in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and poise under pressure, Ward was widely seen as one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.
While his transition to the NFL is still underway, training camp reports have been glowing. Ward has impressed coaches with his deep-ball accuracy and command in the huddle, though like most rookie quarterbacks, consistency and speed of progression remain focal points.
“Cam’s a grinder,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “He studies relentlessly, and he’s not afraid to make mistakes in order to learn. We love what we’re seeing in terms of leadership and adaptability.”
Despite having yet to take a regular-season NFL snap, Ward’s raw talent has already ignited comparisons to dual-threat stars like Deshaun Watson (pre-injury) and Jalen Hurts.
Calvin Ridley: A Veteran Ready to Reignite
On the receiving end of Ward’s development is Calvin Ridley, who enters 2025 in what could be considered a prove-it year after a turbulent few seasons.
Once one of the NFL’s rising stars with the Atlanta Falcons, Ridley’s career took a detour due to a gambling suspension and uneven production following his return. After a short stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 and a solid 2024 campaign (67 catches, 904 yards, 6 TDs), Ridley signed with Tennessee on a two-year deal worth up to $28 million, aiming to become the go-to target for a young quarterback.
“I’ve got a chip on my shoulder,” Ridley said in OTAs. “People forgot what I’m capable of. Cam’s hungry. I’m hungry. This is the perfect situation.”
Why 28th? PFF’s Logic Behind the Ranking
In explaining the 28th-place ranking, PFF analysts cited uncertainty around Ward’s adjustment to the pro level and whether Ridley can return to his 2020 form when he posted over 1,300 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.
PFF’s evaluation model heavily weighs both past production and projected efficiency, which hurt the tandem given that Ward is untested and Ridley is still seeking his first 1,000-yard season since 2020.
“There’s upside, but there’s also volatility,” said PFF’s Anthony Treash. “You’re talking about a rookie quarterback paired with a receiver who hasn’t had consistent elite production in three years. That said, if Ward develops quickly, this duo could shoot up the rankings by midseason.”
Room to Rise Titans’ Perspective
While the 28th slot may seem low on paper, the Titans are far from discouraged. In fact, there’s