Gunnar Helm Named 2026 Breakout Candidate by ESPN Analyst

ESPN analyst Ben Solak has tapped Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm as the franchise’s top breakout prospect for 2026. In a preview that profiled a player for each NFL club, Helm edged out quarterback Cam Ward and veteran receiver Calvin Ridley. The spotlight on Helm highlights the Titans’ struggle to generate reliable pass‑catching options beyond their wide‑out room.

Solak praised Helm’s blend of size, speed, ball‑handling skills and durability through contact. The former fourth‑round pick showcased those traits during a rookie campaign that saw him log 16 games and haul in 44 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Helm’s production gained momentum as the season progressed before a foot injury curtailed his final stretch.

What Ben Solak Sees in Gunnar Helm

According to Solak, Helm possesses “the tools of an NFL starter” – length, speed, ball skills and toughness. Those attributes mesh well with quarterback Cam Ward’s playing style, which draws parallels to Steve McNair and Patrick Mahomes. The Titans are building around Ward with a mix of tight ends and new receivers, adding Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, Wan’Dale Robinson, Daniel Bellinger and Ohio State prospect Carnell Tate.

Helm’s blocking has also been a bright spot, outperforming Chig Okonkwo, who was graded among the league’s weakest at the position before departing in free agency. When the pass‑catching hierarchy is viewed without regard to position, Helm ranks alongside Robinson and Tate, suggesting he could become a central piece for Tennessee’s offense.

Why This Matters for the Titans

Ridley, now in his 30s, is still recovery from a broken leg that limited his 2025 season, and his yardage has been hampered by drops and confidence issues. Even if he returns to form, Helm offers the consistency Ward currently needs. The Titans have missed the playoffs in back‑to‑back seasons, finishing 3‑14 both years, so a reliable pass‑catcher like Helm could be pivotal in reversing that trajectory.

Solak’s 2026 breakout label puts the focus on a player who could provide immediate impact while the roster continues to add depth. If Helm can stay healthy and continue the late‑season surge, he may become the cornerstone of Tennessee’s receiving corps, influencing both future draft picks and free‑agent targets. The anticipation builds as the 2026 season approaches, with fans watching to see if Helm lives up to the hype.

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.

Read the full story here: Titans TE Gunnar Helm named 2026 NFL breakout candidate by ESPN’s Ben Solak

© 2026 A to Z Sports.