2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Chigoziem Okonkwo
- Position: Tight End
- School: Maryland
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 242lbs
Film Watched: Michigan 2021, Michigan State 2021, Indiana 2021
Pro's:
- Body beautiful tight end with chiselled torso that oozes power
- Impressive burst off the line of scrimmage; really attacks the space afforded him
- Got the fluidity and change of direction speed to create separation at the top of his routes
- Sure handed and demonstrated the ability to adjust and reel in awkward passes on the move
- Not tall but has an impressive catch radius, with long arms
- Aggressive at the point of catch. Refuses to be bullied
- Nasty with the ball in his hands – looks like a running back, throwing himself into contact
- Has a big play in him, and developed a nose for the endzone his final year at Maryland
Chigoziem Okonkwo is a TE prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 7.98 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 191 out of 941 TE from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/n7dppjv7tI #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/3YxAQON2it
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 4, 2022
Con's:
- Blocking technique needs work. Lack of balance and can be displaced far too easily
- Reaches for jersey when blocking, playing over his toes and losing leverage
- Hand positioning in pass protection too low
- Restricted route tree at Maryland, predominantly used as a shallow sideline option
- Just one year of significant production at college
- Sat out most of 2020 with a heart issue
The Verdict:
“One of my favourite prospects in this draft class, Chig Okonkwo has sleeper written all over him. A tight end in a running back’s body, Okonkwo is fearless with the ball in his hand and has a penchant for dragging tacklers along for the ride. The former Terp made a living releasing out to the flat at college, but his game suggests he can offer much more - and I think he brings value in the slot as well as motioning into the backfield as a h-back. Okonkwo is raw in run blocking and pass protection, which will slow his transition to the NFL, but he has the play strength to be a factor in this regard. That final step would allow him more snaps as an inline tight end, and over time I’m convinced Okonkwo can become a three down contributor at the next level. As a day three pick with significant upside, he’s a name to look out for.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: BREVIN JORDAN
PREDICTION: 4TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5