Chig Okonkwo has been something of a sideshow amid speculation over wide receiver concerns and the possibility of more incomings at some stage. However, the Washington Commanders are expecting the athletic tight end to provide a spark that quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn't benefited from previously.
And one ESPN analyst believes big things could be in the offing for Okonkwo during his first year in Washington.
Zach Ertz was a dependable option across the middle and in the red zone for Daniels over his first two seasons. He was a respected leader in the locker room, and he always seemed to come through in big moments. Unfortunately, a torn ACL against the Minnesota Vikings all but ended his time with the club on a sour note.
Commanders could have a breakout sleeper on their hands in Chig Okonkwo
Okonkwo was signed to replace Ertz. He also brings more dynamism, more threat to gain yards after the catch, and more explosiveness. And if everything goes well over the summer, Eric Berry of ESPN believes he could emerge as a breakout sleeper in David Blough's offense.
"[Chig] Okonkwo has a clear path to targets as the likely replacement for Zach Ertz, who caught 50 of 72 targets in 13 games for the Commanders last season. Okonkwo is one of just six TEs with at least 50 receptions in each of the past three seasons. The Commanders also don't have many proven pass catchers behind WR Terry McLaurin, giving Okonkwo a real path to sleeper value."
This is the best situation Okonkwo has had during his career, by a considerable margin. The scheme being devised by Blough will suit. John Bates and Ben Sinnott will block, allowing him to make plays with the football in his hands. And if Daniels stays healthy, this could quickly become a profitable partnership.
Berry is right about the concerns in Washington's wideout room behind Terry McLaurin. They are well documented, but Okonkwo's arrival has gotten lost in the shuffle. He may be listed as a tight end, but if the Maryland product could emerge as the Commanders' No. 2 pass-catching option, that would be a surprise some around the NFL won't see coming.
Blough's scheme promises to be reliant on the tight end position. He's expected to bring some of Ben Johnson's concepts to Washington, and one need only look at how players like Sam LaPorta have thrived in his system to see the benefits they could have for Okonkwo's performance.
Bates and potentially even Sinnott could play a part. Even so, there is no doubting who the top dog is.
Okonkwo is going under the radar, which is probably just fine with the Commanders. But if he becomes what Berry and those in the building expect, that won't be the case for much longer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google