Titans Chig Okonkwo Left Off ESPN's Top Ten TE Ranking, No Honorable Mention

The Tennessee Titans second-year tight end Chig Okonkwo burst on the scene in his rookie year with numerous explosive plays, but it wasn't enough to even get a mention in ESPN's tight end rankings.

NASHVILLE — Chig Okonkwo did some impressive things in his rookie season with the Tennessee Titans. Okonkwo led the league in catches of 40 yards or more with three. Led all rookie tight ends in yards and catches. Okonkwo has consistently been named a major breakout candidate throughout the offseason.

The rookie success and logical potential didn't resonate with the executives, coaches, players and scouts ESPN polled apparently. In a recent ranking of the top ten tight ends in the NFL, Okonkwo was no where to be found. 

With Okonkwo going into his second year and having a limited role in his first, not being ranked in the top ten is understandable. The more confusing thing is how Okonkwo didn't even get an honorable mention as part of the exercise.

Obviously, you can't argue Okonkwo against the top names at the position. Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Mark Andrews are a class above anyone else as the top three, in order. Even the next few players make sense to be in the top ten like Dallas Goedert, Darren Waller, T.J. Hockenson being in the next three spots.

Kyle Pitts is an interesting one. He did have over 1,000 yards as a rookie, but fell off in a big way in 2022 with less than 30 catches and 400 yards. While Okonkwo outproduced Pitts, there should be some benefit of the doubt based on Pitts' rookie year production.

Rounding out the top ten is Evan Engram, Pat Freiermuth and Dawson Knox with Dalton Schultz, David Njoku, Noah Fant, Tyler Higbee, Hunter Henry and Cole Kmet as honorable mentions.

Players like Juwan Johnson from the New Orleans Saints, Josh Oliver from the Minnesota Vikings and Logan Thomas from the Washington Commanders received at least a vote during the exercise. 

Okonkwo outproduced Thomas and Oliver by quite a bit statistically. Oliver didn't even have over 200 receiving yards last season. How could he possibly get a mention over Okonkwo. Johnson had a better season than Okonkwo last year admittedly.

Okonkwo not getting a mention isn't a crime against humanity, but it is just a bit perplexing considering what we saw in limited snaps and the general hope for Okonkwo's progression even outside of Tennessee.

Based on the expectations, it would be a shock if Okonkwo wasn't on this list next year.

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