NFL mock drafts are, at their core, an exercise in hypotheticals and guesswork. But with the first round now just a month away, some of the latest projections can be a little bit more rooted in reality than editions from a few weeks ago. With the overwhelming bulk of free agency money already allotted, teams have had to show their hands on at least part of their offseason plans.
And while there are still several key figures who could shape the class' outlook – namely Aaron Rodgers, who visited the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday and also appears to have the New York Giants on hold – some elements for the early order are falling into place. Here's USA TODAY Sports ' latest mock draft projection for the full first round: 1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.
) With two weeks having passed since the first free agent deals were reached , Will Levis has only been joined by Brandon Allen on Tennessee's roster, and the team doesn't appear to be in the mix for any other quarterbacks who would be seen as a potential bridge starter. That's left many to conclude that the Titans already have their eyes trained on Ward. While it might be early to declare that outcome a lock, the odds for other possibilities are certainly dwindling.
It remains to be seen whether Ward clears the "generational talent" bar that the team has thrown around in reference to the first pick, but the scintillating 6-2, 219-pound passer would certainly give the franchise a distinct sense of direction aft.