Moments after the Tennessee Titans selected former Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars did their best to overshadow the moment by trading up to No. 2 to select Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. National telecasts were criticized for discussing the move-up for Hunter while Ward was still enjoying his moment.
On Saturday, the Titans clapped back at the Jaguars by selecting former Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, who once dominated Hunter in college.
Titans trade up, draft WR Elic Ayomanor
The Titans weren't scheduled to make another selection in the fourth round after drafting Florida Gators wide receiver Chimere Dike and Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm. That's when general manager Mike Borgonzi decided to get aggressive by trading back into the fourth round to select Ayomanor.
Ayomanor ensured Hunter would never forget him during the 2023 campaign. In an October showdown, Ayomanor absolutely torched Hunter to the tune of 13 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns, including a 97-yard score and another 60-yard one. In overtime, the Canada native scored a 30-yard touchdown, his third end-zone visit.
Ayomanor set a Stanford single-game receiving yards record and came within 51 yards of setting a new Pac-12 single-game record on that unforgettable night.
It was the standout showing of a terrific 2023 season for Ayomanor, who finished with 62 receptions for 1,013 yards and six touchdowns. In 2024, Ayomanor posted a follow-up showing with 63 catches for 831 yards and another six scores. The 6-foot-2, 206 pound weapon has been a consistent weapon.
At the NFL Combine, Ayomanor displayed athleticism by running the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds. Ayomanor also leaped a 38.5 inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump. The Titans are getting a vertical weapon for Ward.
Ayomanor once dominated Hunter in coverage during a historic 46-43 double overtime victory for the Cardinals. Now, they'll continue doing battle in the AFC South. Hopefully Ayomanor continues getting the better of Hunter for the next decade-plus.