Chig Okonkwo Sees Himself 'Leading' Titans' Tight End Room

The Tennessee Titans will need a big second year from tight end Chig Okonkwo and it sounds like Okonkwo is embracing his elevated role within the Titans' offense and leadership group.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans have essentially neglected the wide receiver position to this point in the NFL offseason and while that may be bad news for the Titans as a team, it might mean good things for second-year tight end Chig Okonkwo. It was already expected that Okonkwo would see a more important role, but now, it is almost certain he will need to be a massive focal point of the offense.

Okonkwo sounded ready to take on the extra duties on the field in a press conference on Wednesday, but when discussing his role off the field, Okonkwo sounded like he was ready to be more of a leader as well, especially with the tight end room.

"Oh definitely, I definitely see myself leading the tight end room. Okonkwo continued, "I definitely see myself as that guy that brings us all together."

Okonkwo will have a great chance to be that leader. Outside of Okonkwo himself, the Titans have brought in a new veteran in Trevon Wesco and a rookie in Josh Whyle to go with a holdover from 2022 in Kevin Rader. Okonkwo has as much experience at the position on the Titans as anyone else. So, even though he is only going into his second year, a leadership role makes sense.

Also, it must be noted that Okonkwo needs to lead this tight end group on the field more importantly. In his rookie season, Okonkwo put up some excellent numbers. He caught 32 passes for 450 yards and scored three touchdowns. Okonkwo was one of the most explosive weapons not only on the Titans' offense, but in the NFL. Okonkwo led NFL tight ends in catches over forty yards with three of them.

With the mostly-new group, the new offense and Okonkwo's talent, he should be the leader of this tight end group for years to come. While you knew he was capable, it is nice to hear Okonkwo come out and accept that leadership role publicly.

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