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Are Cam Ward and Calvin Ridley better than this?
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been extremely complimentary of his No. 1 receiver Calvin Ridley. Knowing he’d be drafted by the Titans, Ward even called Ridley “the best receiver in the league” during a now-deleted videogame stream.
Ward and Ridley immediately built a connection throughout OTAs and minicamp. There’s no denying who his go-to target will be throughout his rookie season. Expect Ward and Ridley to continue growing their chemistry once training camp rolls around in July.
Despite the impressive start to their relationship, the league-wide opinion remains low on the Titans. Pro Football Focus recently ranked each NFL team’s top QB-WR/TE duo ahead of the 2025 season. The anticipated Ward-Ridley connection placed 28th of 32.
“Ward’s 92.9 PFF passing grade in 2024 was a big reason why the Titans drafted him No. 1 overall,” Trevor Sikkema wrote. “Calvin Ridley will be his top target for 2025, but Ridley hasn’t earned a PFF receiving grade above 80.0 since 2020.”
It’s also worth noting Mason Rudolph-DK Metcalf ranked 32nd, behind the Titans. Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Rodgers-Metcalf duo would probably rank ahead of Ward-Ridley in updated rankings, dropping the Titans duo to 29th.
The Titans are probably going to be pretty reliant on Ward and Ridley. Will Van Jefferson, Tyler Lockett, Chimere Dike, Xavier Restrepo, and/or Elic Ayomanor prove to be helpful secondary pass catchers in the offense? How do Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, and Josh Whyle factor into the equation?
Ridley recorded 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns last season despite receiving terrible quarterback play from Will Levis and Rudolph. He also averaged a team-best 15.9 yards per reception, displaying his ability to help generate explosive plays in the passing game. Ridley did struggle with the occasional drop, and has to hold himself accountable for some missed opportunities.
Ward and Ridley will work to form an effective duo in 2025.
