Entering the 2024 offseason, Tennessee Titans second-year tight end Josh Whyle was just hoping to carve out a role for himself after a quiet rookie season.
Taken in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Whyle caught nine passes for 94 yards and a touchdown over 11 games during his rookie campaign, which was unfortunately cut short due to injury.
Hype has been building for Whyle this offseason, though, as he looks to be bigger and stronger and has managed to stand out in practice on multiple occasions.
Not only is Whyle making a case he deserves to have some semblance of a role in what is a crowded situation with Titans pass-catchers, he may be making a case to start.
On the Titans' first unofficial depth chart of 2024, Whyle was surprisingly listed as a co-starter with fellow tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo, who has been the top option at the position for the previous two seasons.
#Titans 2024 Unofficial Depth Chart pic.twitter.com/L1VA2xi2J9
— Titans Radio (@TitansRadio) August 5, 2024
In that time, Okonkwo has definitely shown promise with his impressive skillset, but he has also struggled with drops and overall consistency, issues that have creeped up at practice this offseason, leaving him vulnerable.
Whyle has shown glimpses that he can make an impact as a pass-catcher, and while the jury is still out on his ability to be a plus blocker, he did show flashes in that area last season, also.
We'll see if he can ultimately secure the top spot on the depth chart, but right now he's no doubt making what is an unexpected run at the starting job.
