Fansided
Fansided

Denver Broncos: Albert Okwuegbunam Finding Role In Offense

By Jacob Schyvinck

Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) catches a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) catches a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Denver Broncos have a strong tight end room. Albert Okwuegbunam is part of that, and he’s finding a role within the offense.

The tight end position is one that takes time in terms of growth and development at the next level. It took a while before Travis Kelce broke out, and we’re seeing signs from T.J. Hockenson in year two.

The same is happening with the Denver Broncos, as they have one of the stronger tight end rooms in the NFL despite being one of the youngest. Noah Fant is finding his way as a (primarily) receiving tight end. They have a second year player in Albert Okwuegbunam who is developing as well, and he’s seeing a role present itself in year two.

Okwuegbunam was drafted in the fourth round (118th overall) by the Broncos in the 2020 NFL Draft, a draft that was well-known for not having a true top player at the position. The Missouri product was considered among those top guys who deserved a selection late on day two or early on day three.

Okwuegbunam blew up the combine with a 4.49 40-yard dash, something extremely impressive for a 6’5″, 258 pound tight end. It was also the fastest time at the position at the combine since 2003. That time was consistent with how Okwuegbunam played on film, as his play speed helped threaten up the seam and be a threat after the catch. His big frame helped at the catch point and in the red zone.

So far in 2021, Okwuegbunam has found a role with the Denver Broncos. He’s caught 28 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns this season, often getting the ball in the quick game to use his size and speed after the catch. He’s also seem targets in the red zone and has ripped off a big play with his speed.

Denver does often stay in “11” personnel, which makes sense considering the talent they have at receiver. But, it makes sense for a bit of a shift down the stretch, considering how good Javonte Williams is playing and that they have a pair of tight ends who can be a factor in both parts of the game. Albert Okwuegbunam has thrived in his role, and has earned more targets as the Broncos make the playoff push down the stretch.

It’ll be interesting to see how much Pat Shurmur shifts his ideology and gets Okwuegbunam involved more. The good news though is that Okwuegbunam is ahead of schedule in terms of development and it’ll be fun to watch that development going forward.

Home/NFL Draft