ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. was criticized again for favoring Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders over others, including the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Although Ward landing with the Titans had long been a lock, much of Kiper’s draft commentary was centered on Shedeur, even after the Giants — who had done the most homework on Sanders’ son — traded back into the first round to select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart at No. 25 overall.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said he spoke to a "million people" about ex-Hurricanes and now Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward but not ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., per Brett McMurphy of Action Network.