Titans' Chimere Dike lands on preseason All-Rookie team
Titans' Chimere Dike lands on preseason All-Rookie team
Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi knew what he was doing when he selected wide receiver Chimere Dike out of Florida in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. It was partially to add a young receiver who could develop a long-lasting bond with newly drafted rookie quarterback Cam Ward. The idea is that they will be the duo of the future in Nashville.
But before that can happen, both Dike and Ward have to acclimate to the league, and that means different things for each player. For Dike, it likely means a lesser role as a receiver and a larger role as a return specialist, something he did in college. In conjunction with the hiring of John Fassel this offseason, Dike has a bright future on special teams, which is likely why NFL.com selected him for their All-Rookie team as a return man.
Drafted: Round 4, No. 103 overall
Tennessee hired venerable special teams coordinator John Fassel this offseason. Under Fassel's tutelage over the last three years in Dallas, KaVontae Turpin emerged as one of the league's most dangerous returners, making the Pro Bowl twice and earning first-team All-Pro honors this past season. Dike brings extensive college experience as a kick and punt returner. Not to mention, he blazed the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds. Oh, and here's a fun note of debatable relevance: Dike's No. 2 comp on MockDraftable is a man by the name of Devin Hester.
Over four years between Wisconsin and Florida, Dike returned 29 punts for 295 yards (an average of over 10 yards per return). He also returned 22 kicks for 472 yards (over 22 yards per return) over three years in Wisconsin.
He has the experience to be a very good return man in the NFL, and if the Devin Hester comparison is accurate, the Titans just found themselves a wild card. Because while Dike will excel on special teams, he will also excel as a receiver and eventually be a starter.
Between Fassel and Dike, the Titans may have answered their special teams woes.
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