The ride has not been as smooth for the Tennessee Titans this season as some would have liked, especially on offense. They are currently ranked last or near last in the NFL in passing yards, rushing yards and points per game. While it has not been pretty, there have been some flashes of hope on offense as they continue to forge forward. And that hope has been primarily seen from the rookies.
Along with Cam Ward being drafted first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Titans gave him some young weapons to grow with in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Chimere Dike out of the University of Florida, tight end Gunnar Helm out of Texas and wide receiver Elic Ayomanor out of Stanford University were all drafted in the fourth round, with the idea that all would be weapons for Ward. No one knew the timetable for all of them to start making plays, but so far, each has shown the ability to make things happen.
Ayomanor was the first rookie to make an impact, catching difficult passes and getting open against the Rams, Colts, and Texans. In three of the last four games, Helm has contributed key catches, displaying potential as a reliable target. Dike has led the Titans in receiving yards the last two games, highlighting his ability to create separation and secure the catch. Their on-field chemistry with Ward has developed throughout their rookie seasons, drawing the attention of NFL on CBS game analyst Charles Davis, who shared his thoughts on the young core of skill players.
“I think Tennessee has to be happy with getting three current/future starters in Dike, Ayomanor and Helm, all in the fourth round and they can grow together with their quarterback.”
But along with the optimism, Davis had two questions about all three of them.
“Will any or all of them become more than just good starters? Are there any stars in the group?”
Charles poses some good questions, and the Titans will look to answer them as the season continues. Despite flashes of talent, the group of rookies has yet to display consistent production from game to game. This level of consistency, however, is rare for first-year players. Each has made plays worth noting by opponents. The chemistry developing with Ward is promising for the future. According to Davis, their collective contributions have already stood out this season.
“They look like a good core, a good beginning point.”