Following a promising rookie season that saw Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo go from a relatively unknown mid-round pick to arguably the team’s most promising young player, many believe the second-year tight end is on the cusp of a true breakout season in 2023.
The Maryland product led all rookie tight ends in receiving yards (450), touchdowns (three), and overall grade (75.4, PFF), while also being among the most efficient players among pass-catchers, regardless of experience.
This year, Okonkwo hopes to take that next step in his development, and his position coach, Tony Dews, has apparently been showing him tape of stars all around the league, including George Kittle and Mark Andrews.
However, it’s been a former franchise legend who many compare his overall potential to that Chig has been watching the most.
Delanie Walker, at his peak, was every bit of a star for the Titans and was often the No. 1 passing threat for the entire offense, while also being a true tone-setter in the run game with his blocking.
When asked about the main takeaways from his film study, Okonkwo said it was the realization that there are several different ways to win a rep, and just because something works for one tight end doesn’t mean it will work for him, and vice versa.
#Titans TE Chig Okonkwo said TE coach Tony Dews has shown him cutups of other TEs including Delanie Walker, Mark Andrews, George Kittle. pic.twitter.com/jQght4ZxWG
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2023
The second-year tight end also discussed how he’s trying to get back to his playing weight from his Maryland days to help with his blocking.
#Titans Chig Okonkwo says he’s adding weight right now to manage blocking duties … would like to be at 245 lbs:@RamonKaylaWill pic.twitter.com/xTcx8h63up
— Kayla Anderson ✨ (@KaylaAndersonTV) August 7, 2023
Okonkwo added that he believes his biggest strength in that particular area is his explosiveness, which helps him to get off the ball quickly so he can establish his leverage.
While No. 85 took the modest approach when discussing his game, All-Pro safety Kevin Byard praised the Titans tight end for the way he carries himself, both on the field and in the locker room.
Byard mentioned how he “likes the way he works every single day” toward refining his craft as the two constantly remain in communication with each other to discuss ways to make themselves better.
Kevin Byard on jump expected from Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo in his second season: pic.twitter.com/BwyIt1RQQg
— Teresa Walker 👑 (@TeresaMWalker) August 7, 2023
Chig now hopes to translate everything he’s learned over the last year to help him build off a strong rookie season that saw him finish (among tight ends):
- No. 1 in yards per route run: 2.61
- No. 1 in yards per reception: 14
- No. 2 in Receiving grade: 84.6
- No. 2 in Targets per route run: 26.2 percent
- No. 2 (tied) in YAC per reception: 7.8
- No. 7 highest passer rating when targeted: 125.1
