Chimere Dike Looking Like Titans Draft Steal

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike has emerged in recent weeks. Dike was a standout in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, setting new season-highs with seven receptions on eight targets for 93 receiving yards. His progress and chemistry with rookie quarterback Cam Ward are worth monitoring moving forward.

The Titans recently cut veteran wideout Tyler Lockett. He asked for his release partially because he was losing playing time to Dike. Calvin Ridley has also been sidelined for multiple weeks with a hamstring injury. Dike has taken full advantage of his opportunities.

Dike caught his first career touchdown versus the New England Patriots in Week 7. It was an explosive 38-yard score on a deep crossing route. Dike possesses take-the-top-off speed, and a deep-cross concept from play-action proved dangerous.

Dike reached a team-high top speed of 20.09 mph against the Colts, per Next Gen Stats. It marked the second consecutive week he reached at least 20 mph on an attempt. Dike’s speedy explosiveness is leading to big-time plays for a struggling offense.

Over the previous two weeks, Dike ranks fifth in the entire NFL in receiving yards with 163. Only DeVonta Smith (267), Ja'Marr Chase (252), CeeDee Lamb (184), and Alec Pierce (167) have more. Despite having just two productive weeks, Dike ranks seventh among all rookie wideouts in receiving yards (189). He was the 15th receiver drafted, with the Titans selecting him at No. 103 overall in the fourth round.

Dike is creating separation and making himself a QB-friendly target for Ward. He created an average of 3.41 yards of separation on his targets against the Colts in Week 8. League average is 2.98. 

Interim head coach Mike McCoy has shown a willingness to throw Dike right into the fire. Dike was being utilized as a gadget receiver under the previous head coach Brian Callahan. He's had no issue expanding his route tree in recent weeks.

McCoy and interim play caller Bo Hardegree are also utilizing Dike in versatile roles. Since his Week 7 emergence, the former Wisconsin and Florida standout has played 53 snaps in the slot and 17 out wide, per Pro Football Focus. The Titans see him as an explosive "BIG SLOT" option, but he's occasionally playing the boundary as well.

Dike's yards per route run also reached season-highs in Weeks 7 (2.69) and 8 (2.38). The speedy playmaker averaged 6.0 yards after catch per reception versus the Colts. Ward's accurate ball placement has led to creative yards-after-catch opportunities for Dike in the open field.

Dike possesses a legitimate opportunity to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie due to his production on special teams. He leads the entire NFL by a sizable margin in kick return yards (991). The Titans' terrible defense has led to a league-high 38 kickoff returns for Dike, but he's still incredibly effective on a per-return basis. His 26.1-yard average is third-best among returners with at least 25 attempts. He's also 20th in punt return yards (97).

The 1-7 Titans are rebuilding around Ward. Dike and fellow rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor are his two go-to targets right now. The Titans are losing, but the on-field growth being displayed by the rookie class is a positive development. Dike is proving to be a fourth-round steal.