Okonkwo has explosive athleticism that allows him to line up in line as a tight end or out on the perimeter as a receiver. He has ridiculous range and top tier lateral agility. He is considered that vertical threat receiving tight end. He has the quickness and deceptive speed to create separation.
Chigokiem also has the toughness to work catch the ball in traffic and willingness to take the big hit over the middle to give his quarterback a target to throw too. He has very good tracking ability and overall body control to make catches outside his frame. He has soft hands and are consistent to secure after the catch.
Okonkwo is a reliable pass catcher with excellent focus and excellent eye hand coordination to secure wild throws. He is a savvy route runner that hits the top of the route and has the ability to change route speeds. He has very good knee bend and technique where he can display decent power when his hands hit the target.
Areas for Improvement
Okonkwo is a glider, moves faster than he appears but lacks true breakaway top end speed to be a real threat down the seam. He is inconsistent off his release off the line of scrimmage. He has average power for the position, won't overwhelm with his strength. He has a high cut frame with limited power in his hands will prevent a top blocking grade.
Okonkwo will have a medical check during the combine to see if he has recovered fully from the myocarditis he suffered during 2020 which led him to sit out during the short cut season, that plagued the world (Covid-19).
Chigoziem Okonkwo Career at School
Chigokiem was a consensus 3-star recruit across all major recruiting outlets. He was rated the eighth tight end in the country by ESPN and helped lead Hillgrove to an 8-4 record and a regional championship as a senior. He also received offers from Wisconsin, Georgia Tech and Navy and he was coached by Phillip Ironside.
Okonkwo appeared in 12 games with four starts as a true freshman in 2018. He rushed three times for 72 yards with three touchdowns and caught six balls for 69 yards and one touchdown. Following year, he appeared in all 12 games with three starts at tight end/wide receiver. He was second on the team with 19 receptions and third on the team with 201 yards also recording two touchdowns.
In 2020, he sat out the year with medical reason. Returned to the field in 2021 putting up very good numbers. He registered 52 receptions for 447 yards and pulled in five touchdowns. He started in all 13 games at tight end.
Chigoziem Okonkwo NFL Draft Player Profile
After being diagnosed with myocarditis — an inflammation of the heart muscle that can be caused by viral infections — during the 2020 offseason, Okonkwo had to sit out what was expected to be a breakout junior year.
The 6-foot-3 tight end never broke out for massive gains but was reliable in short yardage situations and making catches in tight coverage.
