NASHVILLE – The Titans selected former Maryland tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo in the fourth round of Saturday's NFL Draft.
Okonkwo, taken with the 143rd overall pick, started all 13 games for the Terrapins in 2021 and he finished second on the team with 52 receptions for 447 yards with a team-best five touchdowns.
"I love it," Okonkwo said after being drafted by the Titans. "Tennessee was talking to me a lot during the pre-draft process, so I knew it was a possibility."
Okonkwo had the second most receptions by a tight end in program history in 2021.
The school's all-time receptions leader for a season is none other than former Titans tight end Frank Wycheck (58, 1990).
"I see his name every day in my meeting rooms," Okonkwo said of Wycheck. "He's on the school's tight ends all-time greats wall."
Okonkwo (6-3, 250), a big and physical tight end, wants to make his mark with the Titans.
In 2021, he was All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection. He said he likes to pattern his game after another former Titans tight end, Jonnu Smith, because of his play style and strength.
He said he once ran a 4.44 in the 40 while training for the combine, which "makes me a dangerous vertical threat down the field, just being able to beat guys with my speed."
"I am very physical, and I am not afraid to stick my head in there," Okonkwo. "I want to be known as a complete player, a complete tight end. Versatility is my No.1 asset, just because I can line up outside, I can line up in the backfield, I can line up in the wing, I can line up with my hand on the dirt, I can run routes, I can block from any position. I feel like versatility is my No.1 thing."
