Titans training camp: Offensive players with the most on the line
By Will Lomas
Chig Okonkwo, TE
If Chig Okonkwo had started off well last season, fan sentiment and his outlook would be wildly different.
I have said it before and I will say it again, in Okonkwo's last eight games last season, he had 27 receptions for 328 yards, a touchdown, and only two drops.
Remember, the Titans' offense was one of the most pass-averse offenses in the NFL, so those are really solid numbers. For comparison, DeAndre Hopkins was the Titans' leading receiver throughout that time frame and he only had 37 receptions for 466 yards and four touchdowns.
This season, the Titans are going to pass the ball early and often. There have been times in Okonkwo's short career where he has seemed like he could be one of the most dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.
It wouldn't shock me if Okonkwo ends up taking some of Tyler Boyd's snaps at slot receiver by the end of the season. Okonkwo must showcase a third-year leap in training camp. A lackluster training camp period could give second-year tight end Josh Whyle a chance to steal the TE1 job because of his massive frame and deceptively soft hands.
There are a wide range of outcomes for Okonkwo, but Titans fans should be hoping that he gives Brian Callahan a reason to feature him in the passing attack this season.