LAS VEGAS, Nev. – University of Maryland tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon.

Okonkwo is the second Terrapin to be drafted thus far in 2022. He joins defensive back Nick Cross, who was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round on Friday. Maryland has had multiple players selected in four of the last five NFL Drafts. 

Okonkwo, who was selected with the No. 143 pick overall, is the first tight end to be drafted from Maryland since Dan Gronkowski in 2009. He's the highest drafted Terrapin tight end since Vernon Davis went sixth overall in 2006.

Okonkwo, who impressed at both the NFL Combine and the East-West Shrine Bowl practices leading up to the draft, had a stellar 2021 season for the record-breaking Terps passing offense. He hauled in 52 receptions for 447 yards and caught five touchdowns en route to being named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten.

Okonkwo ranked first in the Big Ten in receptions in conference games (41) and second in receiving touchdowns (five). He hauled in 12 receptions against Penn State, marking the second most catches in a game by any Big Ten player this season. Okonkwo's 112 receiving yards at Michigan State were the second most by any tight end in a Big Ten game this season.