Chig Okonkwo’s Blocking Struggles Raise Questions for Titans
Chig Okonkwo, drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the 143rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of potential during his tenure. The former Maryland standout accumulated 717 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in college, providing promise as a dynamic tight end. However, as he approaches the final year of his rookie contract, Okonkwo finds himself at a crucial juncture, sitting just 137 yards shy of the 2,000-yard mark in his professional career.
A Season of Dilemmas
Despite his past performance, this season has been a challenging one for Okonkwo. Notably, he has yet to find the end zone, which raises concerns about his overall impact on the team. While he may have displayed some receiving prowess, there remains a significant issue that could hinder his future with the Titans.
Blocking Concerns
The pressing concern lies in Okonkwo’s blocking abilities. Among 76 qualified tight ends who have logged at least 100 run-blocking snaps this season, he currently holds the unfortunate distinction of ranking dead last, with a dismal run-blocking grade of 28.9. This deficiency in a critical area of a tight end’s skill set could be a decisive factor for the Titans as they evaluate their roster and potential contract extensions.
Future Uncertain
With the Titans weighing their options, the question now looms: should they re-sign Okonkwo? His lack of blocking proficiency raises serious doubts about his ability to be a reliable contributor moving forward. As the team navigates the complexities of contract decisions, Okonkwo’s performance will undoubtedly be under scrutiny, making the upcoming months pivotal for both him and the franchise.
