Denver Broncos: Predictions for the 2021 Tight End Room
2. Albert Okwuegbunam
Standing and outweighing the current mismatch nightmare Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam is 6- foot-5 and 258 pounds. If you looked up RedZone nightmare in the dictionary, Okwuegbunam very well may be what you find.
Boxing out and getting on top of defenders, while running a 4.5 40-yard dash, Okwuegbunam will be a harsh assignment for any defender. As a tight end two, or even lining up the opposite end of Fant, Okwuegbunam presents a heavy amount of intrigue.
In his rookie season, he only scratched the surface. Playing in just four games, Okwuegbunam totaled just 11 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. Although his numbers were not mind-boggling, his potential has been evident.
If Okwuegbunam and collegiate teammate Drew Lock could have connected on a few barely missed passes, his touchdown total could have been increased. If Okwuegbunam posted three or four touchdown receptions in just four games, he may be a bit more of a household name.
Unfortunately, he tore his ACL on an early Sunday bout with the Atlanta Falcons that derailed a promising rookie season.
So what should we expect from Albert Okwuegbunam in 2021?
Well, he will certainly make this roster for starters.
He won’t be the number one tight end for this Denver Broncos team unless something unforeseen takes place with Noah Fant. That said, he could be a 1b. Punishing defenses with a two-tight look, boasting two 250-plus-pound beasts that run 4.5 40’s, would be frightening.
Okwuegbunam could certainly be between the hash type of player if needed. With that said, the Denver Broncos have serious options across the board as receiving options.
This is the only thing that would prevent Okwuegbunam from surpassing 1,000 yards himself, and I believe it ultimately will. Now, given the right quarterback, maybe someone who doesn’t like the colors green or yellow, the Denver Broncos could honestly have both tight ends exceed the milestone.
As it stands today, Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater will be QB1, so those expectations must be tampered with. In my best guess Albert Okwuegbunam could see anywhere from 400-600 receiving yards in 2021, but really making an impact with six touchdown receptions.