TE, Maryland
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 238 lbs
Class: Senior
Okonkwo was rated as a three-star recruit and the No. 23 tight end prospect in the 2018 class. He earned eight offers, with three of these coming from Power Five schools. He eventually committed to Maryland over Wisconsin and Georgia Tech, playing a part-time role through his first two seasons.
Okonkwo was subsequently forced to miss the entire 2020 season for medical reasons, before returning in 2021. His final season saw him set career-highs in receptions and yardage and he was an Honourable Mention All-Big Ten member.
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Strengths
Athleticism is key at the tight end position and Okonkwo has plenty of it. He put up some of the best testing numbers at the position during the pre-draft process, running a 4.52 40-yard dash at the Combine. He also demonstrated his explosiveness with a 35.5″ vertical. These numbers all shows up on tape too. Maryland didn’t often use him as a downfield target but he showed he has the quickness to challenge defenses up the seam and win on the vertical tree.
His athleticism also helps to make him one of the more dynamic YAC threats at the position. Okonkwo has the quickness to outrun defenders in space, and combines this with a powerful lower half to churn through tackles. You rarely see him taken down on first contact and he forced 10 missed tackles on his 51 receptions in 2021. Maryland made the most of this, using him heavily on screens and underneath routes. 56.3% of his career yardage came after the catch.
When it comes to the catch point, Okonkwo has shown he has the reliable hands to be a solid receiving threat at the next level. He showcases good ball tracking and the body control necessary to adjust to the football. His concentration at the catch point also stands out and he is comfortable making grabs with contact imminent. Okonkwo logged just six drops on his 82 career catchable targets in college.
Okonkwo also offers the versatility to play a variety of roles at the next level. He played principally as a H-back at Maryland, showing the ability to function effectively as a puller and a lead blocker in the running game. This, coupled with his YAC ability, makes him ideally suited to an offense running a variation of the Shanahan scheme. His athletic profile also lends itself well to a flex tight end role and he has the tools to thrive in a vertical passing attack.
Weaknesses
Whilst Okonkwo has an intriguing skillset, his overall game remains raw. He is still underdeveloped as a route runner. He was asked to run a very basic route tree at Maryland and didn’t show much nuance in terms of his pacing or attacking the leverage of his opponent. His run blocking as an inline tight end is also very hit and miss. He struggles to sustain blocks and had issues holding his ground against defensive linemen.
There will also be concerns about his size too. At just 6’2″ and 238 lbs, Okonkwo would be noticeably undersized for an NFL tight end. He will need to add more weight to his frame to translate effectively to the next level. Teams will also have questions about his injury history. Okonkwo missed the entire 2020 season due to myocarditis, which involves the inflammation of the heart muscles.
Bottom Line
Okonkwo has the athletic profile and YAC ability to be a solid receiving threat at the next level. His lack of size and technique will limit his appeal, but he possesses the mouldable skillset to develop into a good H-back or F tight end in the NFL.
Ideal role: H-back in a wide zone offense
Round projection: 3rd round
