There have been several intriguing additions to the Tennessee Titans' wide receiver room this offseason. Multiple veterans arrived via free agency, including Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson. The draft brought various more reinforcements, with fourth-round pick Elic Ayomanor and undrafted rookie Xavier Restrepo gaining immediate traction.
Cam Ward and Restrepo displayed their natural connection at OTAs and minicamp. Ayomanor will push for playing time throughout training camp. The rookie receiver who is being completely overlooked by most right now is Chimere Dike. Ironically enough, the Titans drafted Dike with the opening fourth-round selection, before they later added Ayomanor and Restrepo.
It speaks volumes regarding their belief in Dike.
Chimere Dike could help Cam Ward fully unlock Titans offense in 2025
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi made a concentrated effort to add speed to the offense this offseason. Dike lit up the NFL Combine by running a blazing-fast 4.34-second 40-yard dash (third-fastest) and a 6.82 three-cone (fifth-fastest). The Titans opened Day Three of the 2025 NFL Draft by taking Dike.
Dike has spent the offseason learning multiple wide receiver positions in Brian Callahan's offense. Coach Callahan routinely said Dike was playing both the slot and "Z/flanker" spots. He also projects as a potential returner on special teams, having returned 26 career punts and 20 kickoffs in college. That versatility offers him various opportunities to get on the field in 2025.
The Titans currently have Calvin Ridley (flanker) and Lockett (slot) in the positions Dike is getting the most practice reps at. Neither player projects as a long-term solution in Tennessee. Ridley has a longer leash, but he'll turn 31 this season. Lockett is on a one-year expiring contract.
Restrepo is also jockeying for reps in the slot. Dike is a totally different player, adding a big-play element to the offense. Dike averaged an explosive 18.6 yards per catch at Florida in 2024. Ward will appreciate his vertical speed.
Dike excelled at running deep crossing routes for the Gators last season. He's also an outstanding fit to run "Switch Verts" and "Y-Cross," two of Ward's favorite staples in any offensive playbook. Dike possesses take-the-top-off ability.
Dike's been something of a forgotten receiver flying under the radar this offseason. That might not be the case once training camp arrives. Dike possesses the athleticism and speed necessary to be a playmaker for Ward in Callahan's offense.