After releasing their first unofficial depth chart, there were a few notable developments for the Tennessee Titans. Cam Ward leading the offense is no surprise as Calvin Ridley is locked in as WR1.
When Noah Fant was on the market, the Titans didn’t bother to look. They were more than pleased with their tight ends. Now, a third-year player has his work cut out for him as their 2025 fourth-rounder just took his spot.
Gunnar Helm Listed Ahead of Josh Whyle as ESPN Names Titans Position Battle to Watch
ESPN’s Turron Davenport jumped on reports of Gunnar Helm’s position on the depth chart. The No. 120 overall pick was one of many weapons acquired for Ward in the draft. Helm joins a tight end room with star Chig Okonkwo, with everyone after him up for debate.
Okonkwo being named TE1 is no surprise. The 25-year-old enters the fourth year on his rookie deal after he was also selected in the 4th round back in 2022.
His production increased substantially from 32 receptions in his rookie year to 54 the very next season. While his numbers were slightly down from 2023 to ’24, he did haul in an extra touchdown.
With six career touchdowns in three seasons, Josh Whyle knows he has his work cut out for him. The 2023 5th round pick has a pair of touchdowns in his first two seasons. Last year, Whyle saw an increased workload as he played all 17 games.
Whyle’s numbers increased from nine receptions in his rookie season to 28 last year. He turned that into 154 more yards than he had in 2023. Not only does he have a touchdown in each season, but he converted on a two-point conversation last year as well.
Titans reporters have had their eyes on Tyjae Spears, but it’s Helm who’s been receiving most of the attention lately. From one rookie to another, the Texas graduate could emerge as a dark horse on this Tennessee offense.
Turron Davenport Comments on the Tight End Battle
Davenport took to social media to share the Titans first unofficial depth chart. His first notable comment listed Helm ahead of Whyle at TE. In ESPN’s post, he further explained the position battle.
“Chig Okonkwo is the incumbent, but rookie Gunnar Helm will push for the spot, or at the very least, get reps in two-tight-end sets,” he said. Brian Callahan’s offense under Ward will see some adjustments, with it remaining unknown how many two-tight-end sets they run.
Continuing, Davenport stated, “Both players have really caught quarterback Cameron Ward’s attention… Helm has done a good job working the middle of the field and making catches in traffic.”
He added, “Josh Whyle has faded somewhat, but there’s a good chance the Titans keep four tight ends.” David Martin-Robinson rounds out the depth chart as the fourth tight end that Davenport is referring to.
Davenport did mention that one of Whyle’s spotlights will be on special teams. If the 25-year-old can make an impact, he’ll earn more playing time. The team isn’t taking away his contributions from last season, rather, they just love what they’ve seen from Helm so far.
Titans Fourth Round Pick Leapfrogs Third-Year Player as TE Battle Heats Up