Gunnar Helm, a fourth-round pick for the Titans in 2025, didn't just show up as a rookie; he absolutely smashed it, hauling in 44 receptions in his first year. That number wasn't just good, it was a franchise record for a rookie tight end, and he ranked fourth on the team in both catches and receiving yards.
The Rookie Numbers That Demand Attention
This guy was a force from day one. Helm played in 16 games as a rookie, getting 10 starts, and he made every single one count. Beyond those 44 catches, which were an all-time rookie tight end record for the franchise, he stacked up 357 receiving yards. He even found the end zone twice and, get this, snagged at least one reception in all 16 games he played. That's consistency, folks. But even after that kind of debut, Helm isn't just chilling. He said it himself: “There’s always something to go out there and do, always something to prove, and there’s somebody always coming for your spot.” Man, you gotta love that drive.New Faces, New Scheme, Bigger Role?
Now, Helm is stepping into his second season with some major changes around him. The Titans brought in a new head coach, Robert Saleh, and a new offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll. And talk about competition: the tight end room got crowded with veterans Daniel Bellinger and Kylen Granson, plus rookie Jaren Kanak, joining Helm, David Martin-Robinson, and Joel Wilson on the roster this offseason. Helm knows Daboll’s offense utilizes tight ends, and he's pumped about building on his rookie year. Helm told us, “It’s been great. Obviously [Daboll] is not afraid to use the tight end, did so wherever he’s been. There’s been great clips of like [Rob] Gronkowski [in New England], Dalton Kinkaid [and] Dawson Knox [in Buffalo], just doing things that usually receivers do. Being able to be worked into the offense like that, it’s bee." This season, with new leadership and a history of tight end usage under Daboll, Helm isn't just looking to repeat his rookie success; he’s aiming to blow past it. Keep an eye on this kid, because if his mindset and these early changes are any indication, he’s not just proving himself; he’s trying to reshape that offense.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.