The Washington Commanders' Chigoziem Okonkwo isn't one of the first names that come to mind when rattling off the NFL's best tight ends. That's not meant to be a knock against him; it's a sign of respect for his peers — and a personal measuring stick.
ESPN released its annual top-10 position rankings, and Okonkwo was nowhere to be found heading into 2026. Again, his missing the cut shouldn't exactly come as a surprise. He wasn't even highlighted in the "honorable mention" or "also receiving votes" sections, however, which is mildly discouraging from a Commanders fans' perspective.
23 players were brought up, yet Okonkwo wasn't one of them. Let that sink in for a second. Keep in mind that the results aren't just an analyst’s opinion, too; they're "voted [on] by league scouts, executives and coaches."
Nevertheless, it wouldn't be shocking to see Okonkwo enter the conversation following his inaugural campaign in the nation's capital.
Chig Okonkwo has a golden opportunity to enter lofty TE company with the Commanders
Talent has never really been the question for Okonkwo. His previous situation with the Tennessee Titans wasn't the most opportunistic, to say the least. He'll now have a chance to prove himself in a better environment after signing a three-year, $27 million contract with the Commanders this offseason.
From coaching turmoil to poor quarterback play and a weak supporting cast around him, Okonkwo was never truly set up for success in Tennessee. He even began to take a backseat to his successor, Gunnar Helm, amid a youth movement last season. Through it all, though, the Maryland product remained a valuable contributor, specifically as a dynamic pass-catching weapon, which the numbers bear out.
54 TEs drew at least 25 targets in 2025, including the playoffs, with Okonkwo among the bunch. He ranked highly in the following notable categories, courtesy of Pro Football Focus ($):
- Fourth in missed tackles forced (13)
- Tied for ninth in yards after catch per reception (6.2)
- Tied for ninth in contested catch rate (71.4 percent)
- 16th in receptions (56)
Evidently, Okonkwo is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He has the speed and athleticism to blow by linebackers and the size (6-foot-3, 238 pounds) to overwhelm defensive backs. Expect him to help offensive coordinator David Blough exploit mismatches in a big way, especially given Washington's well-chronicled wide receiver woes.
Where Okonkwo must continue improving to truly be considered among football's upper echelon of tight ends is blocking. The veteran playmaker's limitations in protection keep him off the field and detract from his greatest superpower as a receiving threat. He can’t be so one-dimensional.
But if the money is any indication, there's plenty of internal belief in Okonkwo. The Commanders are betting on the 2022 fourth-round pick realizing his untapped potential alongside star signal-caller Jayden Daniels and with Blough at the controls.
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