News Summary
Tight end Chig Okonkwo is preparing for a pivotal season with the Tennessee Titans as rookie quarterback Cam Ward takes the helm. With increased competition from rookie tight end Gunnar Helm and an eye toward personal growth, Okonkwo aims to enhance his performance in his final rookie contract year. Although he has shown potential throughout his career, recent seasons raise concerns about his efficiency. The Titans’ investment in the passing game could shape Okonkwo’s role, especially as he strives to adapt and solidify his position in a competitive environment.
Nashville, TN – Chig Okonkwo, the tight end for the Tennessee Titans, is gearing up for what he hopes will be his most impactful season yet as rookie quarterback Cam Ward takes charge under center. With clarity on his role and an eye towards personal growth, Okonkwo enters the final year of his rookie contract aiming to solidify his position in a competitive environment.
Okonkwo, recognized for his durability, has participated in every game since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, totaling 51 games with 30 starts. In his career, he has amassed 1,457 receiving yards, ranking him sixth among tight ends in the “Titans Era.” However, recent seasons have raised questions about his effectiveness, particularly when the Titans’ overall passing performance ranked last, as indicated by FTNFantasy’s DVOA. Okonkwo’s efficiency dropped significantly in 2024, evidenced by a total Expected Points Added (EPA) of -11.94 and an EPA per target of -0.17.
As he prepares for the new season, Okonkwo acknowledges the mental demands of the tight end position, calling it the most complex after the quarterback. It requires a comprehensive understanding of blocking schemes, pass routes, and special team duties. Recognizing this need for versatility, the Titans’ coaching staff, including tight ends coach Luke Stocker, emphasizes that Okonkwo may be called upon to fulfill various roles, from receiving to blocking responsibilities.
The Titans have invested in their passing game by drafting Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, which may drastically shape their offensive strategies. In addition to Ward, the team selected tight end Gunnar Helm in the fourth round, who had a commendable college season with 60 receptions, 786 yards, and 7 touchdowns. His arrival raises some concerns regarding Okonkwo’s future with the team, particularly as his progress had seemingly slowed since an impressive rookie year where he recorded 32 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2024, Okonkwo achieved 52 receptions for 479 yards and two touchdowns, but the performance has left some wondering about his trajectory. The strong competition from Helm and another young tight end, Josh Whyle, who showed promise last season, adds pressure for Okonkwo to elevate his game. Despite these challenges, Okonkwo is only 25 years old and still has time to refine his skills and potentially secure a more prominent role in the Titans’ offense.
In the latter part of the last season, Okonkwo saw an increase in his playing time, averaging 57.4% of offensive snaps during the first ten weeks, then 72.4% over the final seven. This trend highlights the coaching staff’s confidence in him as they look to leverage his skills with the new quarterback combination. Okonkwo made headlines with a 70-yard touchdown catch in Week 12 of the 2024 season and registered significant fantasy points during the playoffs, underlining his potential when given the opportunity.
Head coach Brian Callahan noted Okonkwo’s development after the previous season, suggesting that there is still room for growth and improvement. The Titans have opted not to re-sign veteran Nick Vannett, further indicating that the organization is placing more emphasis on the younger generation of tight ends, like Okonkwo and Helm. As the Titans aim for tactical evolution in their offense, Okonkwo’s unique skill set could enhance his fantasy prospects, especially with the anticipated chemistry with Cam Ward on the field. Given Ward’s playing style, which highlights short passing accuracy rather than deep throws, Okonkwo stands a realistic chance of becoming a top-12 fantasy tight end if he maintains consistent playing time and develops a productive partnership with the rookie quarterback.
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Additional Resources
- AtoZ Sports: Titans Players Breakout Potential
- Sports Illustrated: Chig Okonkwo and Gunnar Helm
- Pro Football Focus: Chig Okonkwo Player Profile
- ESPN: Chig Okonkwo
- Tennessean: Titans Schedule and Injury Updates
Author: HERE Nashville
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