David Chao, MD
2 min read • July 01, 2022
Posted in
It was a busy off-season for the Denver Broncos. In a blockbuster trade to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seahawks, the Broncos gave up four-year starting tight end Noah Fant.
Now, Albert Okwuegbunam will be sliding into the starting tight end position, two years removed from tearing his ACL.
Our panel of Pro Football Docs project the 24-year-old as a potential breakout candidate this season, based on health.
He has a new opportunity as a starter lining up next to receivers Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton.
During the middle of his rookie season in 2020, Okwuegbunam tore his ACL in his right knee.
He fully recovered in time for training camp the following year, but missed three games last season after suffering a hamstring strain in practice prior to Week 5.
The 24-year-old's career statistics consist of 44 receptions on 55 targets for 451 yards and 3 touchdowns. The only downside for his potential is his inexperience; he's only appeared in 18 games in his young career.
Though the Broncos did select UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich in this year’s draft, expect Okweugbunam to see a lot of action as the team’s leading pass-catching tight end. He is healthy and ready to become a reliable pass-catcher for Wilson.
Written by David Chao, MD
