New York Giants: Eli Manning, Evan Engram Have Already Trained Together
The New York Giants have drafted the tight end of the future in Evan Engram. He and quarterback Eli Manning have already developed the foundation for chemistry.
The New York Giants have drafted tight end Evan Engram to fill the most prominent need at a skill position. It was a surprising move by general manager Jerry Reese, who was expected to prioritize Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku amongst the then available players at the position.
Although some may be taken aback by Reese’s decision to draft Engram, there’s a sense of familiarity that creates an additional measure of intrigue.
Prior to becoming a member of the New York football Giants, Engram was a star tight end for the Ole Miss Rebels. Giants quarterback Eli Manning, of course, attended Ole Miss between 2000 and 2003, and started from 2001 to 2003.
During his post-draft interview, Engram revealed that he trained with and caught passes from Manning during the two-time Super Bowl champion’s recent visits to Ole Miss.
"Eli Manning is always around Ole Miss during the offseason...I've caught a couple balls from him." - Evan Engram
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 28, 2017
One can expect to see Engram catch a couple more balls from Manning during the 2017 NFL season and beyond.
If there’s one area in which Engram excels, it’s making plays as a receiver. During his four-year career, he amassed 162 receptions for 2320 yards and 15 touchdowns, which averages out to 14.3 yards per catch.
Engram led all FBS tight ends with an average of 17.4 yards per receptions during the 2014 season and averaged 14.2 yards per catch in 2016.
Just as impressive as the average is the fact that Engram recorded 65 receptions for 926 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016.
It’s no secret that Manning has a tendency to throw to his tight ends. Unfortunately, while Giants tight end Will Tye recorded 48 catches in 2016, that resulted in an average of 8.2 yards per reception and just one touchdown.
The fair and honest hope in New York is that Engram will be able to fill the void of a playmaking tight end.
Must Read: Five reasons to love the Evan Engram pick
If the past is a sign of things to come, then the New York Giants will see what the Ole Miss Rebels saw during training sessions: Eli Manning to Evan Engram for six.