Titans rookie Ayomanor could seize No. 2 receiver role in 2025
As the 2025 NFL season nears, the Tennessee Titans are counting on a blend of proven veterans and young players to support quarterback Cam Ward. Among the standouts in camp is fourth-round wideout Elic Ayomanor from Stanford, who is generating buzz as a potential surprise force behind Calvin Ridley.
Reportedly, Ayomanor has developed a strong connection with Ward and has turned heads with his performance throughout training camp. While Ridley is expected to be the primary target, the job behind him appears up for grabs, with veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, plus other young talents like Ayomanor and Chimere Dike in the mix. Ward has spoken publicly about the group’s potential, which has only fed expectations that Ayomanor could quickly become an important option for Tennessee.
Ayomanor’s path to a larger role is rooted in both opportunity and timing. The Canadian native has battled injuries and inconsistent quarterback play during his college years, which contributed to him sliding to the fourth round. He did win the 2023 Jon Cornish Trophy, awarded to the top Canadian college player, underscoring his finished-product potential when given a clean run.
If Ayomanor earns a steady role, he would be the latest example of a young passer-receiver pairing that could accelerate Ward’s development. The rookie reportedly showed enough in camp to be considered a factor behind Ridley, with the path opening further behind Lockett and Jefferson and behind the other rookie, Chimere Dike, who could contribute more on special teams and in the return game.
Ayomanor and Ward also turned heads at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, hinting at growing chemistry that could translate to regular-season opportunities. Tennessee’s schedule is challenging, with cornerbacks like Patrick Surtain, Derek Stingley Jr., and Devon Witherspoon likely to test the Titans’ receiving corps. If Ayomanor can stretch defenses and refine his route running under Ridley’s guidance and the tutelage of the veterans, he could become a dependable second option sooner than later.
What this could mean for 2025 is a Titans offense that leans into youth around Ward while still leveraging Ridley’s star power. Ayomanor’s quick adaptation could ease pressure on Ward and help map out which pieces fit best around Tennessee’s franchise quarterback as the season unfolds. The early returns from camp suggest a bright future for the rookie, should he sustain the climb from depth chart to rotation and beyond.
Bottom line: Ayomanor’s emergence as a credible No. 2 receiver behind Ridley would be a timely lift for Tennessee, giving Ward a trusted target and offering the Titans a flexible pass-catching group as they evaluate their long-term fit around the young quarterback. If he continues to build chemistry and capitalize on opportunities, Ayomanor could become a key piece in Tennessee’s evolving offense.