Underrated Texas draft pick is a top candidate to become a rookie starter with new NFL team despite odds
Being a Day 3 NFL Draft pick is better than not being selected at all, but the likelihood of sticking on a roster and the odds of becoming a starter is much lower than top 100 picks. The pre-draft process is so important because most players see major swings with their stock based on the […]
Being a Day 3 NFL Draft pick is better than not being selected at all, but the likelihood of sticking on a roster and the odds of becoming a starter is much lower than top 100 picks. The pre-draft process is so important because most players see major swings with their stock based on the all-star games and Combine performances.
Texas tight end Gunnar Helm didn't have the best offseason as he dealt with an ankle injury at the Combine. His athletic scores took a massive dive and misrepresented how well he usually moves. The Tennessee Titans were able to grab him in the fourth round due to his unexpected fall.
Despite that, there's hope for Helm to contribute early on. The Titans are one of few teams needing immediate help at tight end for rookie QB Cam Ward.
NFL.com Draft Analyst and expert Chad Reuter explained why Helm is in such an advantageous position.
With Nick Vannett no longer on the Titans roster, Helm and third-year pro Josh Whyle figure to fight for the 10 starts Vannett accumulated in 2024. Helm's receiving skills, coverage awareness and toughness after the catch should get him on the field with Chigoziem Okonkwo in 12 personnel early in the year and possibly make Helm a starter by mid-October.
Okonkwo has been a standout athlete through his early career but totaled only 52 receptions for 479 yards and two scores in 2024. He's raw, and a more consistent or exposive option could usurp him. Then, there's really no depth behind Okonkwo.
Whyle was even less impressive with only 28 catches for 248 yards and one score. It's possible both players benefit from Ward in a major way, but Helm has a clean slate who has a bigger investment in him.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein believes that Helm could also play a major role for the Titans.
"A combination tight end with good size and soft hands, Helm developed rapidly in the high-scoring Texas offense.
He is a capable route runner who can be used on all three levels but was allowed free releases and frequent open looks that he won’t see as a pro. His size, hands and feel for space make him a quarterback-friendly target capable of moving the sticks at opportune times. He’ll need to thicken his lowers and improve his hand usage to handle in-line blocking chores in the NFL. Helm projects as a future TE2 with three-down potential."
