Tennessee Titans second-year undrafted free agent John Ojukwu saw increased reps at right tackle during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. Nicholas Petit-Frere and Jaelyn Duncan, who were absent from various practices due to injuries, are entering training camp as the perceived favorites to start at right tackle. Ojukwu took advantage of their non-participation by impressing head coach Brian Callahan throughout his reps.
"He's done everything you want a player in that situation to do," Callahan said in early June. "He's learning the scheme. I've very surprised because I didn't know much about him. As he's gotten more opportunities, he's started to show up. When you're a guy in that position, that's all you can ask for."
Titans HC Brian Callahan says OT John Ojukwu has really surprised him so far…⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yHpkCdvJX9
— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) June 4, 2024
It's not the first time Ojukwu has endeared himself to the Titans' coaching staff. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State last season when Mike Vrabel was the head coach. Vrabel was equally as impressed with Ojukwu throughout the 2023 offseason.
"In my five years, now going on six, going through that post-draft process, he knew how we played and what we wanted from our demeanor," Vrabel said about Ojukwu last July. "He's a smart player with good length. He can improve and take advantage of an opportunity," Vrabel concluded.
Mike Vrabel on undrafted OT John Ojukwu. #Titans pic.twitter.com/uAzlqeFNNs
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) July 26, 2023
That offseason praise didn't necessarily lead to in-season success for Ojukwu. He suffered an injury during the preseason that prevented him from truly competing for a 53-man roster spot. Ojukwu spent the majority of his rookie campaign on the practice squad, but did receive a late-season opportunity to be elevated.
And with the likes of Petit-Frere, Duncan, and Andre Dillard either struggling or nursing injuries, Ojukwu received an opportunity to play considerable snaps in Weeks 16, 17, and 18. That sample size equaled 67 total snaps. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing 1.0 sack and three pressures en route to a 50.0 pass-blocking grade. Ojukwu fared better as a run blocker with a score of 65.4.
Ojukwu now faces a similar challenge. It'd be considered somewhat surprising if he truly challenged Petit-Frere and/or Duncan to start at right tackle. Realistically, he's likely competing for a back-end roster spot with fellow tackles Leroy Watson and Geron Christian, two veteran tackles that possess history with new offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Ojukwu has now impressed two Titans coaching staffs, but we'll see if that translates to on-field success.