Latest news with #ChigOkonkwo
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH: Gunnar Helm with a great touchdown catch
It sure looks like the Tennessee Titans got a steal when they drafted Gunnar Helm in the fourth round. He has reportedly been really good in camp, and he made a really nice contested catch for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons: Josh Norris of Undedog pointed out that Helm has been making plays like that dating back to his days at Texas: Helm is currently TE2 behind Chig Okonkwo, but if he keeps making plays like he did tonight, they are going to find a way to at least get both of those guys on the field – especially when you consider how thin they are at wide receiver. The touchdown throw came from Brandon Allen, who came on in relief of Cam Ward. Ward finished the night just 2 for 7 but had a beautiful throw to Van Jefferson that he dropped. I will have more on Ward's night later.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fantasy Football: Chig Okonkwo headlines sleeper candidates at the TE position for 2025
Fantasy football managers are smarter than ever, so finding a player who's actually being slept on can be difficult. With that in mind, we're shifting our focus to late-round targets who could drastically outproduce their ADP in 2025. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Over the next week, I'll shine the spotlight on my favorite sleeper candidates at every key fantasy position. Today, we're taking a look at tight ends. Justin Boone's Fantasy Sleepers Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers Tight Ends Chig Okonkwo, Titans When constructing my rosters this season, if I miss out on an elite tight end I normally aim for one of the promising young options like Tucker Kraft, Dalton Kincaid, Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland. Sometimes you end up on the wrong end of a position run and even those names are off the board before you can draft them. That's where this list comes into play. Okonkwo has been one of my favorite targets in best ball this year after a very strong finish to his 2024 campaign. When his playing time finally ramped up from Week 12 on, Okonkwo averaged the 12th most fantasy points among tight ends, including top-seven weekly finishes in 50% of those outings. It's even more exciting to hear the positive reports from beat writers, with some suggesting Okonkwo looks like he has an extra gear entering his fourth NFL season. As tight end guru Andrew Cooper of Fantasy Alarm always preaches, when looking for late-round breakouts at the position we should be searching for athleticism and opportunity. That means a tight end with a chance to be one of the top-two targets in their offense. Aside from Calvin Ridley, the Titans are hoping to get contributions from a soon-to-be 33-year-old Tyler Lockett who dropped off completely in the second half of last season or one of their fourth-round rookies Elic Ayomanor or Chimere Dike. After back-to-back seasons with at least 70 targets and 50 receptions, it's not a stretch to project Okonkwo as the second option in this passing attack. Okonkwo also gets over the athleticism bar thanks to a 97th percentile 40-yard dash and a 92nd percentile speed score. There's no doubt we're digging deep into the barrel here in hopes of pulling out a starter, but I have Okonkwo as the TE17 in my rankings and truly believe he could contend for a spot as a back-end fantasy TE1 this year. Elijah Arroyo, Seahawks With Noah Fant out of the picture, the Seahawks have put their faith in Arroyo to play a big part in the passing game right out of the gate. The second-rounder was overshadowed in a deep class of rookie tight ends, but with Fant being released, Arroyo might have the clearest path to Year 1 production among that group. His teammate A.J. Barner should do the heavy lifting as a blocker, freeing Arroyo up to be featured where he's strongest — as a receiving threat. His skillset makes him a difficult matchup for defenses and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has been moving him around to take advantage of that, including lining him up as the 'X' receiver where DK Metcalf used to play. Volume could be an issue if Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp continue to earn targets like they have in the past, but Arroyo is going to make a fantasy impact as a rookie. Consider him a TE2 with low-end TE1 potential if he carves out a big enough target share. Mason Taylor, Jets Aside from Garrett Wilson, the Jets' receiving corps leaves a lot to be desired. Journeyman veterans like Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson are decent contributors, but not players you want to rely on as your No. 2 pass-catcher. And though Day 3 rookie Arian Smith has impressive speed, he's not likely to command a significant amount of targets. That points to the Jets' passing attack revolving around Wilson, running back Breece Hall, and their rookie tight end Taylor. While Taylor might not have the same explosiveness as Arroyo, he's a better all-round prospect and was making just as many plays in training camp until a recent high-ankle sprain sent him to the sidelines. Rookies who suffer injuries in the summer miss out on valuable reps and can often start the season slow. So, keep that in mind. However, once healthy, Taylor will be in the mix as one of the top targets In New York's offense. He's a late-round stash or at worst, a name to put on your waiver wire watchlist for early in the season. Ja'Tavion Sanders, Panthers As a fourth-round rookie last season, Sanders had to fight for playing time with veteran Tommy Tremble and battled through a neck injury which disrupted his campaign. There were flashes of fantasy potential though. In the six games where Sanders played over 70% of the Panthers' snaps last season, he put up at least 49 yards or a touchdown on four occasions. To his credit, the 22-year-old worked on his conditioning this offseason and reported to the team 10 pounds lighter. That should only aid in his quest towards being the Panthers' full-time starter. It also helps that Tremble remains on the PUP list with a back injury and his return date is still unclear. In his absence, Sanders has been busy in practice, catching a lot of passes and adding yards after the catch, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Sanders is a long shot to become a consistent fantasy option, but he's another name to remember at the end of your drafts. Justin Boone's Fantasy Sleepers Quarterbacks Running Backs Wide Receivers Tight Ends
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cam Ward training camp stats: Every practice throw for Tennessee Titans QB on Day 1
Cam Ward offered a one-word description of his first training camp practice with the Tennessee Titans: mid. Ward has been known to be self-critical, but a middle-of-the-road grade feels like a fair way to judge Ward's first preseason practice as a pro. Between 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, Ward finished Day 1 July 23 with a 12-for-17 passing mark. On a day where most of the Titans' pass reps came on simulated first and second downs, there wasn't much of an emphasis on downfield throws. Ward seldom threw past the sticks, completing mostly hitches, slants and out routes. On the few occasions Ward pushed the ball downfield, he was either off-target or met with tight coverage. Here's a rundown of every throw Ward attempted against a defense in training camp practice on July 23. ESTES: This Tennessee Titans season is about to be real bad, isn't it? Cam Ward stats: Training camp practice No. 1 on July 23 7 on 7 drills: 1st-and-10: Ward completes a hitch route to tight end Chig Okonkwo 2nd-and-6: Ward completes slant route to receiver Elic Ayomanor 1st-and-10: Ward completes hitch route to receiver Calvin Ridley 1st-and-10: Ward completes slant route to Ayomanor 1st-and-10: Ward overthrows Ridley on a post route, incomplete 2nd-and-5: Ward completes slant route to receiver Chimere Dike 1st-and-10: Ward completes out route to Ridley, who makes a nice contested catch along the sideline 1st-and-10: Ward completes out route to Ayomanor Final 7-on-7 stats: 7-for-8 passing 11-on-11 team drills: 2nd-and-6: Ward completes curl route to receiver Van Jefferson 2nd-and-7: Ward completes swing route to receiver Tyler Lockett 2nd-and-4: Ward throws incomplete on a corner route to Jefferson, cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., breaks up pass 2nd-and-5: Ward dumps off complete to running back Tyjae Spears 1st-and-10: Ward completes out route to Okonkwo 2nd-and-5: Ward throws incomplete on a play that may've resulted in a sack for cornerback Roger McCreary in live action 1st-and-10: Ward completes short to Lockett 2nd-and-6: Ward's pass is batted away at the line of scrimmage by linebacker Femi Oladejo. 1st-and-10: Ward targets receiver Treylon Burks on a go route down the sideline, but Brownlee is tight in coverage and bats the pass away Final stats: 5-for-9 with three passes broken up Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@ Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin' Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Cam Ward stats: Titans training camp throws rookie QB made on Day 1
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Titans Day 2 Training Camp Highlights: Cam Ward working his connection with Calvin Ridley and Chig Okonkwo
Tennessee Titans Day 2 of training camp kept the entire team busy but in particular Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, and Calvin Ridley. Cam Ward was seen peppering these three, and everyone looked to be on the same page which is great to see. Ward looked comfortable and calm, making accurate throws this morning. Rookie Gunnar Helm made a sensational tip-drill catch along the sidelines, and per usual Calvin Ridley glazed his routes like a gazelle.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fans pack into Truist Park for 2025 MLB Home Run Derby
From servers slinging out orders to sluggers launching dingers, the Battery served up nothing but heat Monday during the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. Visitors to the Battery, like Chig Okonkwo, said the excitement in the crowd was palpable. Advertisement 'You know these guys work hard, so having fans come out here—I know they're very happy for that. It's an exciting atmosphere for sure,' Okonkwo told Channel 2's Brittany Kleinpeter. For many fans, the night wasn't just about chasing home runs—it was about chasing history. The derby returned to Atlanta for the first time in 25 years, and Atlanta Braves player Matt Olson, who attended the last Atlanta derby in 2000 as a fan, now found himself playing in it. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Season ticket holders like David Gollar were betting on the Gwinnett County native. 'Matt Olson is going to win without a doubt,' said Gollar. Advertisement The night culminated in big crowds, big swings, and even bigger dreams. Tickets for the event appeared limited on third-party sites, with Vivid Seats reporting that only 3% of tickets were available prior to the derby. The event has historically been one of the most popular among fans. Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, won the derby. He defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final round. It is the first time a catcher has won the Home Run Derby. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees looks on during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners competes in the final round of the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays is introduced before the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees looks on during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics are introduced before the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Chris Sale #51 and Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves embrace during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates Bryan Woo #22 and Randy Arozarena #56 and brother Todd Raleigh Jr. after the final round of the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays competes during the final round of the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Ronald Acuna #13 and Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves embrace during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Professional wrestler Cody Rhodes speaks to the crowd during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after winning the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners receives the championship belt from professional wrestler Cody Rhodes after winning the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners and his brother Todd Raleigh Jr. pose with the trophy and belt after the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Participants in the Home Run Derby are introduced at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: A detailed view of home plate is seen following the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
