Titans rookie Gunnar Helm is making a good first impression
Titans rookie Gunnar Helm is making a good first impression
Over the last few weeks, NFL fans have gotten a preview of what the future holds with rookie minicamps. That has given many former Longhorns opportunities to connect with their new teammates. That includes Gunnar Helm, who is expected to be an important part of the Titans' future.
While Helm isn't guaranteed to start, that could change quickly. The Titans' current starter at tight end is Chig Okonkwo, who has one year left on his deal. If he departs in free agency following the upcoming season, the Titans have a solid young option to turn to in the former Longhorn.
As Helm hasn't gotten used to a new system, he has been busy asking questions so that he can do whatever is needed to help the team.
"I talked to a lot of NFL vets throughout this process, throughout the combine, post-combine, post-Pro Day about just what to expect," Helm said via team reporter Jim Wyatt.
"All of them kind of said the same thing: The biggest difference from college to the National Football League is not only the speed, but it's really attention to detail. It's all mental at this level, so just grasping the new playbook and figuring out the concepts. … The chemistry, the timing all of it, just kind of falls back on that mental piece."
While Helm's curiosity has been a welcome sign, it is no surprise. During his time at Texas, the Colorado native improved every year. That paid off during his final season when he set career highs in catches with 60 and receiving yards with 786. Following his breakout season, the Titans made him a fourth-round pick.
As excitement builds for the future, Helm's debut is inching closer by the day. He will make his NFL debut on September seventh when the Titans face the Denver Broncos.
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