Draft Analysis: Elic Ayomanor

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 206 lbs.
College: Stanford
Tape watched: 2023 Colorado, NC State, SMU, Notre Dame
NFL Comparison: Michael Thomas

Pros

Blocking

Ayomanor is a front runner for the best blocking receiver in the class. He brings tenacity to the defense on every play. His unrelenting drive phase showcases his high motor and effort. Ayomanor’s technique can slip as he can get overeager to hit the defender. Staying patient and focusing on position rather than power will make him an above average NFL blocking receiver.

Watch Ayomanor drive the backside Nickel corner out of the screen. He brings this intensity every play.

Midline

Route Running

Ayomanor has instances where he shows high IQ and understanding of defensive coverages. He manipulates cornerbacks’ leverage well. Stop and start route breaks are difficult for Ayomanor due to his tall frame and stiff hips. He has good burst off of his cuts, but it is often not enough to make up for his lack of tempo changes through the route. Elic Ayomanor has adequate deep speed but can take a long time cycling through his gears. As a result, Ayomanor struggled against press man coverage. Ayomanor had a very disappointing 1.9 yards per route run in 2024.

A really good reset of the cornerback’s leverage here from Ayomanor. He gives a subtle push off at the top of the route as well.

Release

Quick footwork can be underwhelming for Ayomanor, who can spend too much time without gaining ground on the defense. His hand fighting can be late or nonexistent through his releases. He has his best success using his size and strength to lean on defenders. Ayomanor also showed success with a single jab-and-go release.

Cons

Hands

With six drops in each of the last two seasons, Elic Ayomanor has serious questions entering the draft. His drops showed up everywhere, from quick slants to downfield fade routes. He does not have natural soft hands that pluck the ball off its trajectory. Hitch routes are often over-protected with his body.

The upside of Ayomanor:

Tracking

Ayomanor had too many instances of creating disadvantaged positions for himself and the quarterback. He can take inefficient paths to deep throws. High pointing the football is hit and miss for Ayomanor, especially when you consider his measurables.

Ayomanor drifts inside on his route, contributing to the drop.

YAC

Teams shouldn’t expect much post-catch addition their receiving corps. Elic Ayomanor has below average lateral agility, and his acceleration is horizontally limited. He can be difficult to tackle given his size and aggressiveness. He will fight for extra yardage.

Overview

The NFL will always take chances with height/weight/speed merchants with proven success. Elic Ayomanor fits the aforementioned bill. There are concerns with his NFL play speed, upright route running, and ball security.

Ayomanor has played in all 24 games of his college career, showcasing his reliability on the field. He is a tenacious blocker who doesn’t take plays off. Ayomanor has slot versatility, strengthening his draft profile.