NASHVILLE – Feel better, play better?
Tight end Chig Okonkwo believes changes he's made this offseason, as well as a new feel on the team this offseason, could pay off for the Titans this fall.
Time will tell, but right now it's all smiles for the third-year pro.
"A fresh start is always good, especially when you are coming off losing a lot," Okonkwo said. "The building, the vibes are immaculate right now. They are great. The future is exciting right now.
"I feel like guys are more relaxed now, in the building. Guys are coming in and they're not as tense, not as stressed out. And it allows people to be a lot more free in the locker room, a lot more free on the field."
A fourth-round pick of the Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft, Okonkwo is looking to be at his best in 2024.
In 2023, Okonkwo caught 54 passes for 528 yards and a touchdown while playing in 17 games, with 11 starts. A year before, Okonkwo caught 32 passes for 450 yards, but with three touchdowns, and a 14.1 average per reception (compared to 9.8 yards in 2023).
This offseason, Okonkwo said he focused on making changes to the way his body moves on the football field.
Earlier this offseason while in Florida, he worked to prepare himself to make strides.
He did a lot of stability work, in an effort to get in and out of his cuts better. Okonkwo said he could tell a difference in practices in May and June.
"I feel like I maximized the potential I had in my body, and if I wanted to get better, I had to change the structure of how I move and stuff," he said. "(I feel) a big difference, even the way I feel, my body. I feel a lot better when I move. After a long day of moving, I don't feel as sore."
A new coaching staff, and new offensive weapons around him, also has Okonkwo optimistic about what's head.
Brian Callahan is known for his offensive mind, and receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd coming aboard alongside DeAndre Hopkins should make things better for the offense.
And, the way Okonkwo sees it, all of the team's tight ends should benefit, from himself to Josh Whyle and Nick Vannett.
"I think more down the field, attacking stuff, I would say," Okonkwo said of potential changes for the tight end. "Using our speed to get those balls down the field. A lot of stuff has been shorter stuff in the past. I think we're going to be able to open up a lot more things.
"It is very exciting when you see the stuff we're bringing in. It feels like we're going to be relying a lot on the pass, and that is going to be a big part of my game, too. So, I am very excited for that. I am very excited to have those guys on the outside, and get a lot of the attention, and then make plays on the inside."
