What can New York Giants fans expect from rookie tight end Evan Engram? Head coach Ben McAdoo sees him as a true game-changer.
The New York Giants entered the 2017 NFL offseason with a desperate need to improve on offense. The defense was genuinely elite during the 2016 season, but the offense failed to pull its weight during Ben McAdoo’s first year as head coach.
During the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, general manager Jerry Reese made a move that could transform the Giants’ offense.
The selection of former Ole Miss Rebels tight end Evan Engram has been received in a polarizing manner. Some believe that he’s the missing piece at the skill positions, while others are of the belief that a better tight end could have been drafted.
According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN’s NFL Nation, coach McAdoo is of the belief that Engram will have great value as a vertical threat.
"“The fastest way to the end zone is down the middle of the field,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “Anytime you can add someone to your offense that can run down the middle of the field with that type of speed and length, it stresses the defense.”"
Big play ability is something that few tight ends possess, but Engram has in spades.
Engram led all FBS tight ends with an average of 17.2 yards per reception during his sophomore season in 2014. As a senior in 2016, Engram erupted for 65 receptions and 926 receiving yards, which comes out to an average of 14.2 yards per reception.
Engram added eight touchdowns for good measure, scoring once in eight separate games during his individually successful final season.
If the Giants can help Engram translate his collegiate success to the NFL, then Eli Manning’s career may be extended and revitalized.
Engram has 4.42 speed, which is a faster 40-yard dash time than the one recorded by Odell Beckham Jr. Considering Engram is 6’3″ and 234 pounds, that’s an awe-inspiring number that helps explains New York’s interest in developing him.
In an era of explosive playmakers at tight end, Engram fits the bill as a Jordan Reed type of contributor.
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The New York Giants will have the opportunity to torment secondaries with Evan Engram joining Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, Eli Manning, and Sterling Shepard.