It’s safe to say that the Tennessee Titans had a disappointing season in 2022.
What started with an offseason filled with confusing and controversial moves ultimately culminated in an inconsistent and injury-riddled product the fans had to endure for far too long.
Later in the season, head coach Mike Vrabel claimed the team was at a crossroads, but that statement couldn’t be any more true than it is right now.
These next few months will be crucial in deciding which way the franchise is going to head for the foreseeable future. Expect plenty of new faces to be on the 2023 opening-day roster that weren’t even in the building last year.
Nonetheless, the Titans do have some familiar faces that will be back.
Several of them were severely underutilized, while others seemingly popped up out of nowhere after waiting for their overdue opportunity.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in to the Titans who should have a bigger role in 2023.
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo
This is an obvious one for anyone who consistently watches Titans football.
It only took about half the season to start realizing how special Chigoziem Okonkwo is in the passing game.
According to Pro Football Focus, the former Terp had the highest overall grade (75.4) and highest receiving grade (84.6) out of all rookie tight ends. Okonkwo also led all first-year tight ends in yards (450), while also being tied for the most touchdowns (three) amongst his rookie peers.
In fact, Chig already topped former Titans tight end Jonnu Smith’s career high of 448 receiving yards that he set during the Titans’ electric 2020 season.
By year’s end, it felt like the Maryland product was a big play waiting to happen every time he touched the ball.
Most YAC per reception among NFL rookies this season:
1. Chig Okonkwo, Titans (7.9)
2. Christian Watson, Packers (6.7)
3. Rachaad White, Buccaneers (6.2)
4. Treylon Burks, Titans (4.9)
5. Isaiah Likely, Ravens (4.8)
6. Romeo Doubs, Packers (4.7)
7. Garrett Wilson, Jets (4.6) pic.twitter.com/z13vmWtvbT— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 12, 2023
The rookie tight end produced at least one play consisting of:
- 20-plus yards in seven games
- 30-plus yards in four of those contests
- 40-plus yards in three of those outings
Okonkwo has some developing to do in the run game, but it’s become very clear that he has the potential to become a focal point in the offense going forward.
Most yards per route run in 2022, minimum 100 pass routes, regardless of postion
1. Tyreek Hill – 3.20
2. Justin Jefferson – 2.62
3. Chigoziem Okonkwo – 2.61— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) January 10, 2023
Do not be surprised if we start to see Okonkwo putting up Delanie Walker-type numbers in the near future.
WR Treylon Burks
Similarly to Okonkwo, Treylon Burks also showed signs of a potential future star on the horizon whenever he was on the field. Unfortunately, getting him on the field was half the battle in 2022.
The Arkansas product only played in a total of nine full games, with another two contests that he left prematurely due to injuries. Despite the setbacks, Burks still produced at a relatively high level this season.
Tennessee’s first-round wide receiver had the highest run-blocking grade by a rookie wideout (75.8), sixth-highest overall grade (74.1), and seventh-highest receiving grade (73.9), per PFF.
Treylon Burks is a stud 🤩#Titans pic.twitter.com/4yarMlBsGI
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) November 28, 2022
Burks has the chance to take that next step in Year 2, but to do that he will have to stay healthy to give himself a legitimate chance to maximize his overall abilities.
Burks finished his rookie year by catching 33 passes for 444 yards and two total touchdowns.
LB Jack Gibbens
After having a strong offseason, the undrafted free agent known as Dr. Gibby spent most of the year on the team’s practice squad before getting his chance later in the year due to injuries.
Jack Gibbens made the most of his opportunity, tallying 28 tackles, one interception, and one pass deflection over the final four games.
Considering both of the Titans’ starting linebackers are on an expiring deal, there could be a chance for the Minnesota product to earn himself even more playing time next season.
To do so, Gibbens will have to continue developing as the months pass to give himself a real shot at taking that next step forward in Year 2.
DE DeMarcus Walker (if re-signed)
Obviously, this scenario depends on whether or not Demarcus Walker returns to Tennessee following a breakout season in which he set career-highs in every major category.
Despite only playing approximately 37 percent do the defensive snaps last season, the Florida State product finished first on the team in tackles for loss (10), second in QB hits (16), third in sacks (seven), and fifth in pressures (15).
There’s a decent chance that Walker could get a real payday after last season, but as long as he doesn’t get overpaid on the market, Tennessee should be very interested in bringing back the veteran defender.
