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Tennessee Titans
Aug 27, 2025 1:34 PM EDT
Many fantasy football managers may have taken a chance on Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, his wide receivers will play a big role in his early success, and on Tuesday, the Titans announced their initial 53-man roster, which features six players at the position, including:
32-year-old Tyler Lockett (entering 11th season)
30-year-old Calvin Ridley (entering seventh season)
29-year-old Van Jefferson (entering sixth season)
25-year-old Bryce Oliver (entering second season)
22-year-old Elic Ayomanor (entering rookie season)
22-year-old Chimere Dike (entering rookie season)
Rookie Wide Receiver Emerging Early for Ward
Despite being just a rookie, ESPN’s Dan Graziano claims that fans shouldn’t be surprised if Ayomanor establishes himself as Wards’ No. 2 receiver throughout the 2025 season.
“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,” Graziano wrote. “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… Don’t be shocked if Ayomanor is a factor.”
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (5)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (5). — Source: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
That would be big news considering that last year, even with extremely inconsistent quarterback play between Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, the Titans’ offense still tied for the 16th most attempted passes (450).
With Ward, that number could easily increase, and if Ayomanor could establish himself as his No. 2 wide receiver, he’d be a fantasy football steal, with ESPN claiming he’s on just 0.9% of rosters, with a draft ranking of 1,066.
Ward has even shown support for the rookie, saying, “I’m always confident throwing to Elic. I think from a route runner standpoint, I think we stole him when we drafted him,” according to Easton Freeze of A to Z Sports.
Ayomanor’s Preseason and College Numbers
Ayomanor’s impressive numbers in 2023 and 2024 for the Stanford Cardinal are a big reason why the Titans took a chance on him with a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft.
In those two seasons, he appeared in 24 games, hauling in 125 receptions for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns. In both years, he led Stanford in receptions and yards.
His time on the field during the Titans’ preseason games was limited, but he was certainly still solid, racking up five receptions for 72 yards.
Ward’s trust in Ayomanor will be truly tested in Tennessee’s season opener on the road against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7.
If the rookie wide receiver can make an immediate impact, then fantasy football owners will be clamoring to claim him off the waiver wire, and that rostered percentage of 0.9% will shoot up.
About the Author
Nate Lunak
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Nate Lunak is a trending news writer for Athlon Sports.