The 2025 NFL season kicks off in less than a week with the reeling Dallas Cowboys facing the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles. Tennessee, like the rest of the league, has set its roster to the 53-man limit plus the practice squad. Dan Graziano of ESPN recently posted an article detailing the surprises in store for each team. What did he say about a particular Titans rookie receiver earning a surprising role in 2025?
ESPN: Tennessee Titans Rookie Receiver Earns Surprise Role
Graziano nominated rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor as the breakout sensation who could seize a top role for the Titans in 2025. Here’s what he had to say about the youngster from Stanford:
“Don’t be surprised if … rookie Elic Ayomanor is the No. 2 receiver.
“What I’m hearing: The fourth-rounder out of Stanford has developed a strong rapport with rookie QB Cam Ward and has impressed coaches with his performance throughout training camp. Calvin Ridley projects as the No. 1 receiver, but after him, it’s veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson and rookies Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Ward has publicly pumped up his wide receiver group as a top-five unit in the league. And while that might be an exaggeration, it does a lot for a wide receiver when his quarterback speaks highly of him. Don’t be shocked if Ayomanor is a factor.”
Ayomanor possesses the talent and opportunity to ascend the Titans’ depth chart quickly behind inconsistent veteran Van Jefferson. Can the young man who infamously bossed around Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter in college find his role quickly? The chance to prove himself worthy of number two targets will reveal itself fairly early on in his career. Tennessee’s schedule is daunting and littered with star cornerbacks shadowing Calvin Ridley. Cornerbacks like Patrick Surtain, Derek Stingley, Jr, and Devon Witherspoon are salivating at the Titans’ beleaguered receiver room.
Who is Elic Ayomanor?
The former Stanford receiver slipped to the fourth round due to injuries and horrendously abysmal quarterback play by the Cardinal passers. He fell to a team that possesses a much better quarterback prospect than he has been used to over the years. His 2023 season initially put him on the radar of draft scouts, but 2024 was marked by injury and inconsistency. The Canadian native won the 2023 Jon Cornish Trophy, given to the best Canadian player in college football. Rising Bengals running back Chase Brown won the award in 2022.
What could happen for Ayomanor in 2025?
The rookie profiles as the ideal prototype “X” receiver for a team that needs one to emerge since Treylon Burks’ downfall. Ayomanor may emerge as Ward’s second favorite option behind Ridley once Lockett and Jefferson impart their wisdom onto the youngster. Tennessee expects fourth-round rookie Chimere Dike also to make an impact, but in the return game. Cam Ward will have a plethora of weapons, albeit unproven for the most part. Can either Ayomanor or Dike play well enough to earn more time? Only the crucible of NFL action can determine their fates as bona fide targets. Chemistry will undoubtedly play a role with the franchise quarterback and his receivers. They’re off to a good start. Both the rookie passer and receiver were spotted at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, furthering their bond.
Tennessee isn’t expected to win many games in 2025, so the season can be used to help Ward settle into the job and determine which players fit around him. Ayomanor appears to be a key part of the puzzle at this early juncture, given his evolving chemistry with the quarterback. The rookie receiver could polish his route running under route savant Ridley and learning veteran wiles from both Lockett and Jefferson. Tennessee’s young receiving corps has a bright future ahead.
Main Image: Steve Roberts – Imagn Images
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