Latest news with #ElicAyomanor
Fox News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
How the Titans are integrating Cam Ward as their franchise quarterback
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In just two practices with the Tennessee Titans, wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is already bracing for change with Cam Ward, his new quarterback. The No. 1 pick, Ayomanor said, gets the ball out "really fast" — so fast that he's determined he just needs to be ready to catch it. Otherwise, as the receiver, he's in the wrong. "You know that he's going to be on time every time," explained Ayomanor, a fourth-round rookie from Stanford. "If you're late, you're late. Because he's not going to be late." Ward showcased the zip and accuracy of his passes at Titans rookie minicamp Saturday. With no 7-on-7 action or team periods — a byproduct of coach Brian Callahan's orientation-style approach for integrating rookies into the team — Ward spent the day working through individual drills and building rapport with the rookie pass catchers, including Ayomanor and fellow fourth-round picks Chimere Dike and Gunnar Helm. The Titans are starting at "square one" with Ward, according to Callahan. The former Miami star brings franchise quarterback expectations, but Tennessee is not approaching his acclimation process that way. He's had the playbook since he was drafted. But like all their rookies, the Titans want Ward to start small, focus on daily improvement and learn the full operation — from the install and the huddle to the meeting room. The worry is the day's practice, not September. Callahan isn't thrusting leadership expectations on Ward, either. "We're not asking him to do anything outside of what he'd normally do," Callahan said, "and I think that personality will start to show as he moves forward and gets more comfortable and understands more. Obviously, he has to worry about himself first. He's got to make sure he knows what to do, how to do it. "The leadership thing comes naturally," he added. "Those things show up organically because you're around players more and you get more comfortable and you learn people's personalities. I don't put too much pressure on him to do that. I'm more concerned with him making sure he knows what to do and how to do it. From there, that stuff grows." RELATED: The night hope returned to Nashville: 'Cam Ward is a game changer' What is Ward focusing on? Maintaining his base inside the pocket. Feeling the pocket. Knowing how deep to get in his drops. Limiting unnecessary shuffling. The Titans' route concepts are similar to what he had at Miami, but there are differences in the footwork he's learning to grasp. He received pointers from quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree between reps Saturday. Ward admitted that he's sometimes looking ahead in the playbook, but the Titans are rooting him in the present install. "They're not really pushing everything on me at once," he said. "But I'll continue to look ahead, continue to prepare the way that I know how to prepare." Like Ayomanor, Helm and Dike have gotten strong first impressions of Ward. They praised his leadership. They raved about his presence. "He's exactly what people think he is," Dike said. "He just does things the right way. He comes in the building early. … He has that confidence. He knows the work he puts in and what he's capable of. "At the same time," he continued, "he knows he has to continue to work hard to improve, and I think that rubs off on everything else." Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He previously worked for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network, where he was the Titans beat writer for a year and a half. He covered the Seattle Seahawks for for three seasons (2018-20) prior to moving to Tennessee. You can follow Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Elic Ayomanor named a Day 3 pick that could play big role for Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor named a Day 3 pick that could play big role for Tennessee Titans By all accounts, the Tennessee Titans had a successful 2025 NFL draft. Not only were they able to grab their potential quarterback of the future, but they were also able to build around him and add some much-needed speed and athleticism to their arsenal. Their fourth-round selections of Chimere Dike, Gunnar Helm, and Elic Ayomanor marked a first in NFL history with a team taking three skill position players in a single round. However, it is one of those players that Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus (PFF) singled out as being a Day 3 pick who could play a significant role in 2025. WR Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans Ayomanor was a top-35 prospect on PFF's big board but fell to the Titans in the fourth round. Still, he has an opportunity to make an immediate impact in that receiving corps. Ayomanor is an excellent athlete, scoring in the 96th percentile of PFF's Game Athleticism Score metric. He's also a very cerebral player who dealt with a poor quarterback situation at Stanford. Now catching passes from No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, Ayomanor could seize a starting receiver job in Tennessee by the end of the season. For readers of Titans Wire, Ayomanor was a player we identified early in the process who could be a fit for the Titans. He is a complete wide receiver who possesses the size, speed, and overall skill set that would make him a perfect complement to Calvin Ridley. A big receiver, he has enough speed to threaten teams deep while being a constant red zone threat. While he isn't a perfect receiver, he does need to work on making his hands more consistent and improving on his drops, but with his large catch radius and red zone prowess, he could take on a larger role as the season progresses. The Titans also have the benefit of easing both Ayomanor and Dike into the fold. The late addition of Tyler Lockett, joining Calvin Ridley and Van Jefferson, gives them some flexibility and allows the rookies to assimilate into the NFL and be ready when called upon.
Global News
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Global News
After being selected in NFL draft, Alberta's Elic Ayomanor tops final CFL scouting bureau list
Stanford receiver Elic Ayomanor topped the CFL scouting bureau's final top-20 list Monday. Ayomanor was third on the winter list released in January but vaulted into first as the top-ranked prospect for the CFL draft, which will be held Tuesday. However, the native of Medicine Hat, Alta., won't be the first player selected after being taken in the fourth round of the NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. View full screen View full screen View full screen Previous Image Next Image Close Modal Gallery The Calgary Stampeders have the first pick of the draft, one of four the club is scheduled to make in the first 20 selections. Story continues below advertisement Indian quarterback Kurtis Rourke, of Oakville, Ont., fell from top spot into second on the final list. But Rourke was also selected in the NFL draft, going in the seventh round Saturday to the San Francisco 49ers. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The CFL scouting bureau consists of league scouts, player-personnel directors and GMs with all nine of its clubs. It releases its rankings three times annually (fall, winter and spring). Toronto native Paris Shand, a defensive lineman at Louisiana State, moved from second to third. But after being bypassed in the NFL draft, Shand joined the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay was ranked fourth after not cracking the winter list while Montana receiver Keelan White remained unchanged at No. 5. Shay will reportedly attend the Green Bay Packers rookie camp. Story continues below advertisement Rounding out the top 10, in order, are: offensive lineman Tiger Shanks (UNLV); receiver Damien Alford (Utah); defensive lineman Darien Newell (Queens); defensive lineman Hayden Harris (Montana); and offensive lineman Christopher Fortin (UConn). Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma, the '24 Hec Crighton Trophy winner, continued to rise. He moved up to 14th after being ranked 20th on the winter list. Thirteen of the top-20 prospects played at NCAA schools, with the remaining seven being at U Sports universities.
Winnipeg Free Press
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Stanford receiver Ayomanor tops final CFL scouting bureau top-20 prospect list
TORONTO – Stanford receiver Elic Ayomanor topped the CFL scouting bureau's final top-20 list Monday. Ayomanor was third on the winter list released in January but vaulted into first as the top-ranked prospect for the CFL draft, which will be held Tuesday. However, the native of Medicine Hat, Alt., won't be the first player selected after being taken in the fourth round of the NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The Calgary Stampeders have the first pick of the draft, one of four the club is scheduled to make in the first 20 selections. Indian quarterback Kurtis Rourke, of Oakville, Ont., fell from top spot into second on the final list. But Rourke was also selected in the NFL draft, going in the seventh round Saturday to the San Francisco 49ers. The CFL scouting bureau consists of league scouts, player-personnel directors and GMs with all nine of its clubs. It releases its rankings three times annually (fall, winter and spring). Toronto native Paris Shand, a defensive lineman at Louisiana State, moved from second to third. But after being bypassed in the NFL draft, Shand joined the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay was ranked fourth after not cracking the winter list while Montana receiver Keelan White remained unchanged at No. 5. Shay will reportedly attend the Green Bay Packers rookie camp. Rounding out the top 10, in order, are: offensive lineman Tiger Shanks (UNLV); receiver Damien Alford (Utah); defensive lineman Darien Newell (Queens); defensive lineman Hayden Harris (Montana); and offensive lineman Christopher Fortin (UConn). Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma, the '24 Hec Crighton Trophy winner, continued to rise. He moved up to 14th after being ranked 20th on the winter list. Thirteen of the top-20 prospects played at NCAA schools, with the remaining seven being at U Sports universities. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2025.
Associated Press
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
NFL Draft Early Entries Fared
April 24-26 Met the three-year eligibility rule LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse, Jacksonville-seventh (236). Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford, Tennessee-fourth (136). Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas, New Orleans-first (9). Stone Blanton, LB, Mississippi State, Not selected. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas, Dallas-fifth (149). Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas, Not selected. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri, Chicago-second (39). Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama, Philadelphia-first (31). Will Campbell, OT, LSU, New England-first (4). Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State, N.Y. Giants-first (3). Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon, Washington-first (29). Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina, Seattle-second (35). Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia, Carolina-fourth (114). Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas, Miami-seventh (231). Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia, Cincinnati-third (81). Harold Fannin, TE, Bowling Green, Cleveland-third (67). D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State, Indianapolis-fifth (151). Matthew Golden, WR, Texas, Green Bay-first (23). Mason Graham, DT, Michigan, Cleveland-first (5). Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan, Miami-first (13). Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina, L.A. Chargers-first (22). Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon, Pittsburgh-first (21). Travis Hunter, DB, Colorado, Jacksonville-first (2). Jordan James, RB, Oregon, San Francisco-fifth (147). Shemar James, LB, Florida, Dallas-fifth (152). Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State, Las Vegas-first (6). Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa, Pittsburgh-third (83). Will Johnson, DB, Michigan, Arizona-second (47). Emery Jones, OT, LSU, Baltimore-third (91). Kobe King, LB, Penn State, Minnesota-sixth (201). Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Chicago-first (10). Damien Martinez, RB, Miami, Seattle-seventh (223). Marcus Mbow, OG, Purdue, N.Y. Giants-fifth (154). Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona, Carolina-first (8). Armand Membou, OT, Missouri, N.Y. Jets-first (7). Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi, Arizona-first (16). Jacob Parrish, DB, Kansas State, Tampa Bay-third (84). Chris Paul, LB, Mississippi, L.A. Rams-fifth (172). James Pearce, DE, Tennessee, Atlanta-first (26). Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland, Miami-fifth (143). Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee, Cleveland-fourth (126). Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona, Miami-second (37). Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA, Cleveland-second (33). Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M, Carolina-second (51). Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State, Kansas City-first (32). Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia, Baltimore-first (27). Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M, Cincinnati-first (17). Mason Taylor, TE, LSU, N.Y. Jets-second (42). Azareye'h Thomas, DB, Florida State, N.Y. Jets-third (73). Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky, Buffalo-fourth (109). Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia, Atlanta-first (15). Cameron Williams, OT, Texas, Philadelphia-sixth (207). Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia, San Francisco-first (11). Jared Wilson, C, Georgia, New England-third (95). Kevin Winston Jr., DB, Penn State, Tennessee-third (82). Graduated, eligible for selection Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami, Seattle-second (50). Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama, Dallas-first (12). Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State, New England-fourth (137). Thomas Fidone, TE, Nebraska, N.Y. Giants-seventh (219). Oronde Gadsden, TE, Syracuse, L.A. Chargers-fifth (165). Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State, Miami-sixth (179). Mike Green, DE, Marshall, Baltimore-second (59). Maxwell Hairston, DB, Kentucky, Buffalo-first (30). Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia, Minnesota-fifth (139). Drew Kendall, C, Boston College, Philadelphia-fifth (168). Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State, San Francisco-third (75). Tristan Michaud, WR, South Dakota, Not selected. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama, Seattle-third (92). T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina, Buffalo-second (41). Malik Verdon, DB, Iowa State, Not selected.
