TE – Evan Engram:
Why is the pressure on for Evan Engram?
The answer is quite obvious for anyone who watched the NY Giants play in 2021.
Despite his first Pro Bowl nod, the talented tight end struggled mightily with drops, some of which directly led to interceptions and losses. Engram had 11 drops in 2020 and Daniel Jones threw 6 interceptions when targeting his athletic TE.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Engram needs to prove that the NY Giants offense needs him. The front office signed the steady Kyle Rudolph this offseason, who could do more of the same things Jason Witten did in Garrett’s offense all those years in Dallas.
Engram needs to prove he can excel when not being the primary target. Kenny Golladay will surely be the new go-to option for Daniel Jones.
What will Engram need to improve upon in 2021?
Engram obviously needs to improve his problem with drops.
His struggles catching the ball in traffic are well documented, including being charged with eight drops in 2020. Contested catches are something he has worked on this spring.
Contested catch work for Evan Engram pic.twitter.com/nNdOjBVmMq
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) June 9, 2021
Will pressure make diamonds?
The fast-moving tight end looks to be in the best shape of his career entering his contract season. He showed an impressive burst while catching balls from Jones at OTAs. Coaches need to utilize his speed more on drag routes. Engram excelled under Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur when he caught the ball in space and used his impressive RAC (run after catch) ability. Short curl routes with Engram should be deleted from the playbook, as that is when problems happen.
I don’t foresee another Pro Bowl season for Engram in 2021.
I think he will lose snaps to Rudolph, and targets to Golladay and Toney. The front office will likely have to decide between signing Peppers or Engram next offseason. After spending so much in 2021 on free agency, I don’t think the NY Giants can sign both, and I think Peppers will be the priority.