Skip to main content
florida logo

Chimere Dike is the first Gator off the board in 2025 NFL Draft

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•about 17 hours•

ZachAbolverdi

Florida-Gators-Chimere-Dike
Florida Gators wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) makes a catch against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Florida Gators wide receiver Chimere Dike was the first UF player off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was selected Saturday by the Tennessee Titans with the first pick in the fourth round, No. 103 overall.

Dike transferred to the Gators from Wisconsin, where he started 31 games, and reunited with former Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz. Dike provided Florida’s young WR room with experience and leadership, being named a team captain for the 2024 season.

Dike led the Gators with 42 catches for 783 yards — both career highs — with two touchdowns in 13 games, making 11 starts. He recorded three games with 90-plus receiving yards.

James competed in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, Hula Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds.

“One glaring stat, Chim Dike increased his max velocity seven times in the offseason. He gained 11 pounds of lean muscle,” Florida coach Billy Napier said. “I thought his skill level went to a different level and thought he showed position flex. He played inside, played outside, the special teams value as a punt returner and a cover player.”

NFL Combine results

Prospect grade: 6.00
40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds (third-fastest among WRs)
10-yard dash: 1.51 seconds
Vertical jump: 38.5’’
Broad jump: 10’ 8’’
Measurables: 6’ 1’’, 196 pounds
Arm: 32 1/8’’
Hand: 9 1/8’

Draft analysis

“Niche receiver with average hands but good early speed to bypass man coverage and give life to the vertical game. Dike is a second- and third-level receiver whose routes have the energy of a youngster on a playground with all gas and no brakes. He is an early separator with his speed but won’t see nearly as many free or schemed releases as he saw at Florida. He catches with downfield focus and good toughness when contested but doesn’t always play with catch-ready hands, which will lead to frustrating misses. He’s more of a field-stretcher than a volume option, but his talent for opening intermediate and deep windows could appeal to teams in need of speed.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Not a member of Gators Online?

CLICK HERE to get three months of Gators Online for $1! It’s the top place for passionate Florida fans to find the best insight and news in the market. 

Boasting a talented collection of experienced journalists, we dig deep into recruiting and provide breaking news and analysis on UF sports.

You may also like