Under normal circumstances, rookies have significant time to adapt to their new environments during the offseasons and during training camp. This year, the pandemic calls for an accelerated learning process without the NFL press season and valuable scrimmage reps.
That, when the Denver Broncos’ tight end selected Albert Okwuegbunam in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, fans scratched their heads.
Denver previously invested a selection of the first round of 2019 in tight end Noah Fant. As a rookie, Fant recorded 40 receptions, 562 yards, and three touchdowns.
At 6-foot-4, 249 pounds, Fant can stretch the field vertically for a offense and be a red zone threat. He is projected to have a productive 2020 campaign in offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s distribution system as a naturally receiving tight end.
When the upcoming Broncos starter is compared to the rookie, there are important similarities between the two. Okwuegbunam is about the same size as Fant at 6-foot-5, 258 pounds. Both are natural receivers with large bodies that are reliable targets in medium to deep routes.
Fant ran a 4.50-second 40-yard line at the NFL Combine, while Albert O. ran a 4.49. Each player was also criticized for inconsistent runblocking in their respective scouting reports introducing the concept. In principle, on paper and on film, both boys profile themselves as almost the same player.
At the start of the training camp, Okwuegbunam gained momentum and recognition among media and teammates for his appropriate ability. But during Wednesday’s ‘helmets and shells’ practice, the rookie tight end was humbled by his head coach for his block.
“Albert did well,” Vic Fangio said after the fifth game of Broncos camp. “Of course he has some good reception skills. We need to figure out what kind of blocker he is. A big part of being a competent blocker is a mentality to block. ”
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If we are honest, Fant can probably make a career in the NFL with an average run-blocking ability. His athleticism and talent as a receiver will cover the warts and compensate for any blocking deficit, especially if he gets first downs and scores touchdowns.
But is there enough space on an NFL roster for two players who are so similar in profile and who have the same Achilles heel?
“As a tight end, many times when you block, you have to block good players,” Fangio explained. “A good part of it is wool and toughness. We’re trying to figure that out with him to see if he has that part of his game. ”
While it is easy to apologize for rookie mistakes in training camp due to the learning curve or shortened offseasons, there is never an excuse for lack of effort. Fangio challenges Albert O. to embrace running block in the same way that he runs route.
In his spare time and in practice, Okwuegbunam should be the shadow of O-line coach Mike Munchak. It may be easy to go to the back of the line during one-on-one blocking exercises if you are a scoring machine in high school, but this is not the SEC. Albert O. must embrace learning the proper techniques of blocking so that he can develop to a full NFL tight end.
So far, the lack of skill in Okwuegbunam in the blocking game has not fully benefited him from first team rehearsal. When asked about rookies jumping from units to third- to second-team in camp, Fangio said, “You’re just trying to balance it.”
The Broncos have other tight ends in the mix like Nick Vannett, Jake Butt, Andrew Beck, and Troy Fumagalli, who all rotate through multiple units. This means that any rep, whether it is in passing play or running play, is critical to separating candidates from the competition.
“We don’t always stay with the same 11 boys with the boys,” Fangio said. ‘We start with a drill and after you continue to watch, these guys get mixed up sometimes. They need to show it. They have to deserve it. With the shortened training camp, of course, we have to get the Ouija board out and predict something. It’s a bit of everything there, but really no one wants to give a job. ”
Fangio has been criticized for his comments and criticisms of players as head coach of the Broncos including Von Miller and Drew Lock. It is not the tone as delivery that infects people, but the truth unvarnished.
Fangio calls it as he sees it, because he is a veteran football coach. From saying Miller could be better, Fangio’s resolution is consistent. Coaches do not waste time on players who cannot improve, especially this season.
It would need Okwuegbunam, who is one of Lock’s close friends, to embrace his biggest area of improvement. That is, if Albert O. wants to have a successful rookie season as a pro.
Follow Luke on Twitter @LukePattersonLP en @MileHighHuddle.
