For weeks, it’s been clear that the Tennessee Titans will select University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in this week’s draft. There was speculation for a while about Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and even about Colorado University wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, but in the end, all roads led back to Ward.

But there was also, briefly, a whole lot of trade speculation. Around the time of the NFL Scouting Combine, one of the most popular ideas in and around league circles was that Ward would be the No. 1 pick, and that the real question was whether the Titans would be making it – or someone else would.

However, one team recently stated that the Titans “never opened the door” for a trade of the No. 1 pick (source). This contradicts much of the offseason speculation, especially around the Combine. Many believed teams like the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants may attempt to trade up to secure Ward.

It makes sense that the Titans did not engage in trade discussions, as they are in dire need of a quarterback. In a few days, Ward will be a Titan, and speculation has consistently pointed in that direction since Tennessee secured the No. 1 pick.