Gunnar Helm: The Titans' Rising Tight End Unpacked

In the demanding world of professional football, where raw talent meets relentless dedication, new stars are constantly emerging, eager to leave their mark. One such promising individual who has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike is Gunnar Helm. Born on September 6, 2002, this American professional football tight end has quickly transitioned from a standout collegiate athlete to a key piece of the Tennessee Titans' future, bringing a blend of power, versatility, and playmaking ability to the National Football League (NFL) landscape.

Helm's journey to the NFL is a testament to his hard work and the significant impact he made during his college career. His selection by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft marked a pivotal moment, signaling the start of what many believe will be a impactful career. This article delves into Gunnar Helm's profile, his impressive collegiate performance, his transition to the professional ranks, and what makes him such a compelling prospect for the Tennessee Titans and the broader NFL.

Biography: Gunnar Helm's Journey to the NFL

Gunnar Helm's path to professional football is a narrative of consistent improvement and a rising profile. Born on September 6, 2002, Helm dedicated his formative years to honing his skills on the football field, eventually earning a coveted spot with the Texas Longhorns. His time in college was marked by steady development, culminating in a sensational 2024 season that firmly established him as one of the top tight end prospects in the nation. This collegiate success naturally led him to the doorstep of the NFL, where he was highly sought after by multiple teams before ultimately landing with the Tennessee Titans. His transition from a college standout to an NFL rookie is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the scouting acumen of the Titans' organization.

• Jake From Sixteen Candles
• Hallmark Movies Based On Books
• Does Cheryl Hines Have Any Children
• How Old Is Robin Roberts Wife
• Roberta Flack First Take

Personal Data: Gunnar Helm

To provide a clearer picture of the Tennessee Titans' promising tight end, here is a summary of Gunnar Helm's key personal and professional data:

Category	Detail
Full Name	Gunnar Helm
Date of Birth	September 6, 2002
Nationality	American
Position	Tight End (TE)
Current Team	Tennessee Titans
League	National Football League (NFL)
College	Texas Longhorns
NFL Draft Year	2025
Draft Round	4th Round
Overall Pick	120th Overall Pick
Drafted By	Tennessee Titans (via trade with Seattle Seahawks)
College Highlights	2024 John Mackey Award Semifinalist, 58 receptions, 7 touchdowns (2024 season)

Collegiate Dominance: The Texas Longhorns Breakout

Gunnar Helm's tenure with the Texas Longhorns was instrumental in shaping him into the NFL-ready talent he is today. While specific details of his earlier college years are not provided, his breakout performance in 2024 clearly defined his potential and showcased his ability to dominate at the collegiate level. Playing in a high-profile program like Texas, Helm faced top-tier competition week in and week out, which undoubtedly prepared him for the rigors of the professional game.

The 2024 Season: A Career-Defining Year

The 2024 college football season was a landmark year for Gunnar Helm. It was during this season that he truly broke out, demonstrating an impressive leap in his performance and becoming a central figure in the Longhorns' offense. His statistics speak volumes about his impact:

• Ingrid Bergman Bikini
• Lecy Goranson Becky Roseanne
• Artistic Pursuits
• Jeff Bridges And Lloyd Bridges
• Pauletta Washington Net Worth

• 58 Receptions: This significant number highlights his reliability as a pass-catcher and his ability to consistently get open and secure the ball. For a tight end, 58 receptions in a single season is an excellent indicator of his receiving prowess.
• Seven Touchdowns: Beyond just catching passes, Helm proved to be a formidable red-zone threat. Seven touchdowns underscore his ability to finish drives and convert opportunities into crucial points for his team. This is a highly valued trait for tight ends in the NFL, where they often serve as primary targets in condensed areas of the field.

His exceptional performance did not go unnoticed by national evaluators. Gunnar Helm was deservedly named a 2024 John Mackey Award semifinalist. The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, and being a semifinalist places Helm among the elite at his position in college football. This recognition solidified his status as a top prospect heading into the NFL Draft, drawing significant attention from professional scouts and general managers.

Physicality and Presence on the Field

Beyond the statistics, Helm's game is characterized by a strong physical presence. He is described as being "built like a traditional Y tight end," which implies a player who excels not only in receiving but also in blocking. A traditional Y tight end is typically an inline blocker who can also run routes, providing a dual threat that is invaluable in modern NFL offenses. This build suggests he has the frame and strength to hold his own against professional defensive linemen and linebackers.

One notable instance that highlights his physicality and competitive spirit occurred in a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. As the data states, "Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm (85) shoves Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) and draws a penalty against the Ohio State Buckeyes." While drawing a penalty is not ideal, this specific incident, which occurred on November 21, 2024, in Austin, Texas, ahead of the college football playoff quarterfinals (November 30, 2024), underscores his willingness to engage physically and his aggressive nature on the field. This tenacity, when channeled correctly, can be a significant asset in the NFL, particularly in blocking schemes and contested catch situations. It also suggests a player who plays with passion and is not afraid to assert himself.

The Road to the 2025 NFL Draft

Following his stellar 2024 season, Gunnar Helm became a prominent name on NFL draft boards. The journey from college standout to NFL draftee involves intense scrutiny, detailed evaluations, and a series of high-stakes events designed to assess every aspect of a prospect's game and character. Helm navigated this process, solidifying his position as one of the top tight ends available in the 2025 class.

Pre-Draft Buzz and Projections

Before the draft, analysts meticulously break down every player's film, statistics, and physical attributes. For Gunnar Helm, the consensus began to form around his impressive talent and versatility. Scouts noted that "Helm is an impressive talent with the kind of diversity that could ultimately keep him on the field for any offensive system at the NFL level." This high praise highlights his adaptability – a crucial trait for tight ends who need to be proficient in both blocking and receiving roles, and capable of fitting into various offensive philosophies, whether run-heavy, pass-heavy, or balanced. His ability to perform in multiple capacities makes him a valuable asset, minimizing the need for teams to substitute him out based on down and distance.

His draft projection varied slightly, with some teams considering him earlier than others. For instance, the data indicates that "Texas longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm is a prospect the Denver Broncos might consider late on day 2 or early on day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft." This shows that he was on the radar of multiple teams and was viewed as a potential high-value pick in the middle rounds.

Combine and Pro Day Showcase

The NFL Scouting Combine and individual Pro Days are critical stages in the pre-draft process. These events allow prospects to showcase their physical abilities, undergo medical evaluations, and participate in interviews with team personnel. While specific results for Gunnar Helm's scouting combine and pro day are not detailed in the provided data, his eventual draft position in the fourth round suggests that he performed well enough to confirm his athletic potential and alleviate any major concerns. For tight ends, drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and agility drills (like the 3-cone drill and shuttle run) are crucial for demonstrating their speed, explosiveness, and change-of-direction ability, all of which are vital for both route running and blocking at the NFL level. His successful navigation of these events undoubtedly contributed to his draft stock.

Draft Day Glory: Joining the Tennessee Titans

The 2025 NFL Draft was a momentous occasion for Gunnar Helm. On draft day, the Tennessee Titans made a strategic move to secure his services. "The titans selected gunnar helm in the fourth round of the 2025 nfl draft." More specifically, "The tennessee titans selected texas longhorns tight end gunnar helm in round 4 of the 2025 nfl draft with the no. 120 overall pick (via a trade with the seattle seahawks)." This detail highlights the Titans' proactive approach, as they traded to acquire the pick necessary to draft Helm, underscoring their belief in his potential and their desire to add him to their roster. Being the 120th overall pick, he was the 18th pick in the fourth round, a solid position for a tight end in a competitive draft class.

This selection was part of a broader draft strategy for the Titans, who also made a significant move earlier in the draft by securing their "franchise quarterback in cam ward with the first pick." The synergy between drafting a potential franchise quarterback and a promising tight end like Gunnar Helm is noteworthy. Tight ends often become a young quarterback's best friend, providing a reliable safety valve, a big target over the middle, and a red-zone threat. The simultaneous arrival of Ward and Helm suggests the Titans are building an offensive core for the future, with these two players potentially developing a strong on-field rapport for years to come.

Gunnar Helm's Fit with the Titans' Offense

The Tennessee Titans' decision to draft Gunnar Helm speaks volumes about their offensive vision and how they plan to utilize his unique skill set. As a traditional Y tight end with impressive versatility, Helm is poised to become a significant contributor to the Titans' scheme. His ability to both block effectively and serve as a reliable receiving option makes him an ideal fit for an offense that values balance and unpredictability.

In the NFL, a tight end who can consistently block in the run game opens up numerous possibilities for the offense, allowing for diverse play-action fakes and strong ground attacks. Given the Titans' historical emphasis on a robust running game, Helm's blocking prowess aligns perfectly with their identity. However, his 2024 college statistics (58 receptions, 7 touchdowns) clearly demonstrate he is far more than just a blocker. He possesses the route-running ability and soft hands to be a legitimate threat in the passing game, especially in the middle of the field and in red-zone situations.

His connection with newly drafted quarterback Cam Ward will be crucial. Young quarterbacks often rely heavily on their tight ends for short to intermediate throws, which can help them get into a rhythm and move the chains. Helm's reliability and ability to create separation could make him a go-to target for Ward, especially early in their careers as they build chemistry. The Titans can leverage Helm's "diversity" to keep him on the field for nearly any offensive system, whether they are running a play-action heavy scheme, a quick-passing game, or a more traditional drop-back passing attack. This versatility minimizes substitutions, allowing the offense to maintain tempo and keep defenses guessing. Fans can track his progress and impact through resources like ESPN, which provides "the 2024 nfl season stats per game for gunnar helm of the tennessee titans," including "full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason." (Note: The "2024 NFL season stats" mentioned in the data likely refer to his projected rookie season, as he was drafted in 2025. This indicates the immediate attention and tracking he will receive.)

Analyzing Gunnar Helm's Strengths and Areas for Growth

To fully understand Gunnar Helm's potential impact in the NFL, it's essential to dissect his core strengths and identify areas where he can further develop his game. His collegiate performance and pre-draft evaluations provide a clear picture of what he brings to the professional level.

Strengths: Versatility and Physicality

Gunnar Helm's profile is highlighted by several key strengths that make him a compelling NFL prospect:

• Receiving Prowess: His 58 receptions and 7 touchdowns in his 2024 college season are undeniable proof of his ability to be a productive pass-catcher. He demonstrates reliable hands, the ability to find soft spots in zone coverage, and the athleticism to create separation. This makes him a significant threat on third downs and in the red zone.
• Traditional Y-Tight End Build: As noted, he is "built like a traditional Y tight end," meaning he possesses the size and strength to be an effective inline blocker. This dual-threat capability is highly valued in the NFL, allowing him to stay on the field for both running and passing plays without tipping the offense's hand.
• Versatility for Any System: Scouts emphasized his "diversity that could ultimately keep him on the field for any offensive system at the NFL level." This speaks to his adaptability. Whether a team runs a power scheme, a zone-blocking scheme, or a spread offense, Helm has the foundational skills to contribute effectively. This makes him a long-term asset for the Titans.
• Physicality and Competitiveness: The incident against Ohio State, where he "shoves Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs and draws a penalty," while a minor infraction, showcases his competitive fire and willingness to engage physically. This aggressive mindset, when controlled, translates well to the NFL's demanding environment, particularly in blocking and contested catch situations.
• High Ceiling: Given his breakout 2024 season and the raw tools he possesses, Helm has a high ceiling for development. He is not a finished product, but his potential to grow into a top-tier NFL tight end is evident.

Areas for Development

Like any rookie entering the NFL, Gunnar Helm will have areas to refine as he transitions to the professional game:

• NFL-Level Blocking Technique: While he has the build of a traditional Y-tight end, the speed and power of NFL defensive ends and linebackers are a significant step up from college. He will need to consistently refine his blocking technique, footwork, and hand placement to sustain blocks against elite competition.
• Route Running Nuances: While he proved to be a reliable receiver in college, NFL defensive backs are faster and more disciplined. He will need to perfect his route running, learn to leverage defenders, and master the subtle movements that create separation against professional coverage.
• Consistency: As a rookie, consistency across all aspects of his game – from blocking assignments to catching contested passes – will be key. Developing a reliable routine and maintaining high performance levels throughout a long NFL season will be crucial for his long-term success.

These areas for development are typical for most rookies and are not red flags, but rather opportunities for growth under the guidance of NFL coaching staffs. With dedication and proper coaching, Gunnar Helm has the potential to address these areas and become an even more dominant force.

The Future is Bright for Gunnar Helm

The selection of Gunnar Helm in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans represents a significant investment in the team's future. His impressive collegiate career, highlighted by a breakout 2024 season and recognition as a John Mackey Award semifinalist, laid a strong foundation for his professional journey. As a versatile "Y tight end" with both receiving prowess and blocking capability, Helm offers the Titans a multifaceted weapon that can adapt to various offensive schemes and contribute immediately.

His potential synergy with fellow rookie Cam Ward, the Titans' new franchise quarterback, adds another layer of excitement. The development of a strong connection between a young quarterback and his tight end can be a cornerstone of an NFL offense for years. With his physical tools, competitive spirit, and the opportunity to grow within a developing Titans' roster, Gunnar Helm is undoubtedly a player to watch. His journey from the Texas Longhorns to the Tennessee Titans is just beginning, and all signs point to a promising and impactful career in the National Football League. As CBS Sports' Jamey Eisenberg noted in June 2025, there's "sneaky upside" with players like Helm, especially when paired with a new quarterback like Cam Ward, hinting at an exciting future.

Conclusion

Gunnar Helm embodies the modern NFL tight end: a dynamic athlete capable of making plays in the passing game while also possessing the physicality to contribute as a blocker. His collegiate success at Texas, culminating in a standout 2024 season, clearly demonstrated his readiness for the professional ranks. The Tennessee Titans' decision to draft him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, alongside their new quarterback Cam Ward, signals a clear vision for their offensive future, with Helm poised to play a crucial role.

As he embarks on his NFL career, Gunnar Helm's journey will be closely watched. His versatility, competitive nature, and potential for growth make him an exciting prospect for Titans fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. We encourage you to follow his progress closely, whether through ESPN's detailed statistics or other reputable sports news outlets. What are your expectations for Gunnar Helm's rookie season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to explore other articles on our site for more insights into the exciting world of professional football!

• Pat Sajak Paid Per Episode
• Carlos Bakery Prices
• Penelope Cruz Parents
• Did Sandra Bullock Get A Nose Job
• Julia Louis Dreyfus Soles

Details

Gunnar Helm 2021 Tight End Texas

Details

Gunnar Helm Refused To Sit After Nasty Sprain At NFL Combine

Details

Gunnar Helm - Football - University of Texas Athletics