Evan Engram Is the Missing Piece on the New York Giants Offense

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The New York Giants shocked the football community when they selected former Ole Miss tight end, Evan Engram, with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. For one, the offensive line is riddled with question marks. The Giants don’t have set starters – each position will be an open competition this summer. So, naturally, one would’ve thought the team would’ve invested an early-round draft pick on an offensive lineman.

Second, Engram wasn’t considered a first round talent. Miami tight end David Njoku was still on the board, and in many scouts’ eyes, was the better prospect. But, Engram’s special skill set was sorely needed on the Giants offense, so the pick was made. If it makes the team better, no one will complain about it, and Engram could very well be the spark the team needs.

The Giants offensive struggles last season are no secret. They were 25th in total offense, scoring 19.4 points per game (good for 26th in the category). Outside of Odell Beckham, Jr., the Giants don’t have a legitimate scoring threat. Brandon Marshall will join the receiving corps, signing a two year deal after hitting free agency. Sterling Shepard proved to be a nice addition in the slot, but in drafting Engram, the Giants have shown that they understand it takes a stable to create an electric offense.

Specifically, Engram’s presence at the tight end position should provide an immediate jolt. A lack of tight end production last season certainly didn’t help matters. Will Tye led Giants tight ends with 48 receptions for 395 yards. Rookie project Jerell Adams 16 catches for 122 yards, and Larry Donnell tallied 15 catches for 92 yards…these are season numbers, folks. Donnell is a free agent. Tye is back, and the Adams project isn’t a failure yet.

It wasn’t just the lack of playmakers at tight end that hamstrung the Giants, though. They weren’t particularly good blockers either. The team attempted to alleviate this need by signing Rhett Ellison, so you’d imagine they have a little more confidence in trotting out two tight end sets. Time will tell – but this unit looks quite different than it did a year ago.

Engram fits in nicely, though. Mike Mayock said his skill set is similar to Mike Evans…yes, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, Mike Evans. Think about that for a second.

He is the mismatch nightmare tight end that so many NFL teams are looking for now. His athleticism is elite and he’s an explosive route-runner. Engram bailed Chad Kelly after a ton of plays at Ole Miss, and I expect he’ll be doing the same for Eli Manning.

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley@WrestlingNewsCo

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