The Tennessee Titans concluded the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft by selecting an extremely versatile tight end out of Maryland, Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Okonkwo totaled 717 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 77 career catches throughout the duration of his days at Maryland; however, it was his final season where he truly started to put out some glimpses that something special was brewing.
The Titans’ new tight end set career highs in 2021 after accounting for 447 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 52 receptions.
The 6-foot-2, 242-pound tight end has a massive muscular frame, combined with explosive athletic traits that make him an intriguing prospect.
Okonkwo, who has short arms, has the physical tools to become better as a route-runner and blocker, but he’s still very raw in those areas at the moment.
Chigoziem Okonkwo:
🐢 51 catches (2nd among Big 10 TEs in 2021)
🐢 5 TDs (2nd)
🐢 4.52 40 yard dash (1st among TEs)pic.twitter.com/daqn72w8ve— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 26, 2022
Okonkwo displays terrific skills after the catch due to his blend of speed, power, and constant balance as a runner. He also has the strength and desire to become a more consistent blocker once he gets around NFL coaching.
Make sure you know the name Chigoziem Okonkwo. @TerpsFootball TE/HB has been slowly becoming a favorite of offensive coaches this draft process.
Versatile, elusive and outstanding hands (👀last 3 plays). Good chance he goes Day 2. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/e8cEqHkUDl
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 22, 2022
The Maryland product doesn’t have any eye-popping stats, but he has everything you could want in a project at the tight end position.
His speed and athleticism will add a dynamic aspect to the Titans’ vertical attack in the middle of the field that they have been lacking for quite some time now.
#Maryland TE Chigoziem Okonkwo is the No. 25 overall prospect left on our board.
Where will the speedy TE be drafted today?
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 30, 2022
Having said all that, I really do like the value, the player, and the Titans addressing a position of need.
Therefore, this pick unsurprisingly gets a great grade from me, especially since Okonkwo was the last available player out of my personal preferences at the tight end position.
