Fant ran a 4.50-seconds 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, while Albert O. ran a 4.49. Each player likewise received criticism for inconsistent run blocking in their respective scouting reports entering the draft.” Alberts done well,” Vic Fangio stated following the fifth practice of Broncos camp.” As a tight end, a lot of times when you do obstruct, youre having to block great gamers,” Fangio described. Albert O. should welcome learning the correct techniques of blocking so that he can establish into a total NFL tight end.
Under regular situations, novices have significant time to get used to their brand-new pro environs in the offseason and throughout training camp. This year, the pandemic needs a sped up knowing process without the NFL preseason and important scrimmage reps.
So, when the Denver Broncos chosen tight end Albert Okwuegbunam in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft, fans scratched their heads.
Denver formerly invested a 2019 first-round selection in tight end Noah Fant. As a novice, Fant logged 40 receptions, 562 yards, and three touchdowns..
At 6-foot-4, 249 pounds, Fant can stretch the field vertically for an offense and be a red-zone hazard. He is predicted to have an efficient 2020 project in offending coordinator Pat Shurmurs spread system as a natural getting tight end.
When the Broncos incumbent starter is compared to the novice, there are significant resemblances between the 2. Okwuegbunam is virtually the exact same size as Fant at 6-foot-5, 258 pounds. Both are natural, big-bodied receivers that are dependable targets in medium to deep routes..
Fant ran a 4.50-seconds 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, while Albert O. ran a 4.49. Each player likewise got criticism for irregular run blocking in their particular searching reports getting in the draft. Essentially, on paper and on movie, both people profile as almost the exact same player.
At the start of training school, Okwuegbunam was acquiring momentum and acknowledgment amongst media and teammates for his pass-catching ability. However during Wednesdays helmets and shells practice, the novice tight end was humbled by his head coach for his stopping.
” Alberts done well,” Vic Fangio stated following the fifth practice of Broncos camp. A huge part of being a skilled blocker is a mindset to desire to obstruct.”.
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If were being honest, Fant can probably make a career in the NFL with typical run obstructing capability. His athleticism and talent as a receiver will conceal the warts and compensate for any obstructing deficiency, specifically if hes getting first downs and scoring touchdowns..
Is there enough space on an NFL roster for 2 players that are so similar in profile and who have the exact same Achilles heel?
” As a tight end, a lot of times when you do obstruct, youre having to block great gamers,” Fangio discussed. “A good bit of that is desire to and durability. Were attempting to figure that out with him to see if he has that part of his game.”.
While its simple to excuse the novices errors in training camp because of the learning curve or reduced offseason, theres never a reason for lack of effort. Fangio challenged Albert O. to accept run blocking in the same way that he welcomes route running..
In his extra time and at practice, Okwuegbunam requires to be O-line coach Mike Munchaks shadow. It can be easy to go to the back of the line during one-on-one obstructing drills when youre a scoring device in college, but this isnt the SEC. Albert O. must embrace discovering the proper strategies of blocking so that he can establish into a total NFL tight end.
However, so far, Okwuegbunams absence of efficiency in the stopping video game hasnt totally kept him from getting some first-team reps. When inquired about rookies leap from third- to second- to first-team systems in camp, Fangio stated, “You just attempt and balance it.”.
The Broncos have other tight ends in the mix like Nick Vannett, Jake Butt, Andrew Beck, and Troy Fumagalli, all of whom are rotating through multiple units. This indicates that every associate, whether it be in the death video game or running video game, is important to separate candidates from the competitors.
” We do not constantly stay with the same 11 people with the ones,” Fangio said. “Well begin a drill with ones and after you keep viewing, often those people get mixed in. With the reduced training camp, certainly we have to get out the Ouija board out and do some anticipating.
Fangio has received criticism for his remarks and reviews of gamers as head coach of the Broncos including Von Miller and Drew Lock. Its not the tone or shipment that bother people, however unvarnished the fact..
Fangio calls it like he sees it since hes a seasoned football coach. From stating Miller can be much better, Fangios resolve corresponds. Coaches do not lose time on gamers that cant improve, particularly this season.
It would behoove Okwuegbunam, who happens to be among Locks buddies, to embrace his largest location of improvement. That is, if Albert O. wants to have a successful rookie season as a pro..
Follow Luke on Twitter @LukePattersonLP and @MileHighHuddle.
