Summary

Evan Engram was selected in Round 1 (#23 Overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft out of University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). One of the most athletic tight end prospects of his era, Engram finished his collegiate career with 162 receptions, 2,320 yards, and 15 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-SEC honors and the John Mackey Award (2016) as the nation’s top tight end. At the professional level, Engram has built a productive career with the Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars, reaching his peak usage as a featured offensive weapon. Through the 2024 season, he has totaled 500+ career receptions, 5,500+ receiving yards, and 35+ touchdowns, while setting an NFL single-season tight end record for receptions (114 in 2023 with the Jaguars). Engram earned Pro Bowl honors and Second-Team All-Pro recognition, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier pass-catching tight ends. Off the field, Engram is widely regarded as a high-character, resilient, and professional leader, praised for perseverance through early-career adversity, contagious work habits, and positive locker-room presence.

Strengths

• Elite Receiving Tight End: Functions as a big slot and matchup weapon. Smooth, efficient routes with strong pacing and leverage.

• Speed & Athleticism: Rare acceleration and separation ability for the position. Stresses linebackers and safeties in coverage.

• YAC Ability: Dangerous in space and utilizes his 4.42 forty yard dash speed to create chunk plays after the catch.

• Spatial Awareness: Finds soft spots in zone and presents clean throwing windows. Cerebral veteran who is extremely QB-friendly in the middle of the field.

Weaknesses

• Inline Blocking: Willing and functional but not a power point-of-attack blocker. Can be displaced by strong defensive ends. Best when featured rather than used as traditional Y tight end.

• Contested Catches: Wins more with separation than physical dominance, although he is capable of some highlight reel snags.

• Durability History: Has missed time earlier in career and his workload must be monitored.

• Concentration Drops: Has worked hard to make a marked improvement in this department since being plagued by it in New York, but will still fall victim to the occasional concentration drop.

Outlook

Engram is an unique fit as the “Joker” in Sean Payton’s spread, motion-heavy offense that emphasizes matchups, spacing, and quick rhythm throws. He profiles best as a primary receiving tight end, capable of functioning as a big slot receiver while forcing defenses into nickel or dime personnel. Engram’s presence would give Denver a reliable middle-of-the-field target and a safety valve who can generate explosive plays without relying solely on perimeter receivers. While his immediate production may be somewhat underwhelming in Denver, Engram projects as a high-impact offensive weapon whose value is maximized through intentional usage and creative deployment. While he may never be a traditional in-line blocker, his speed, production, and coverage stress provide top-tier pass-game value. In the right system, Engram remains a difference-making tight end capable of elevating quarterback efficiency and expanding the offense’s schematic flexibility, particularly in third-down and red-zone situations.