Ourlads' Take On Top Prospects

Days 1 and 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft brought three new players to the Giants roster. The athletic tight end Evan Engram, pro-ready defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, and potential quarterback of the future Davis Webb join Big Blue to help the organization both right away and years from now. What can we expect?

 

Evan Engram TE • Mississippi • 6-3, 236

Scouting summary: Three-time 1st Team All SEC tight end and the program’s all time leader in receptions and yards at the position. Ended his career with a 1st Team All American honor. Engram fits the mold of a hybrid tight end/wide receiver that can be moved around in to different starting positions to keep a defense on its heels. His quickness off the line and near-top level ball skills will make him a quarterback’s best friend on third and reasonable. While his blocking impact may not be as high as some of the other tight ends, he is no slouch. The two time team captain leaves it all out on the field each week and his weaknesses can be somewhat hidden in most situations.

What to expect in Year 1: The Giants offense was predictable and easy to plan for in 2016. They played out of the “11” personnel (three Wide Receivers / one Running Back) way too often. There wasn’t enough versatility among the pass catchers in terms of moving them on and off the line, in and out of the backfield. Engram’s rare speed and quickness for his size and the ability to pluck the ball out of the air in traffic allow the play calling to immediately become more diverse and unpredictable. Manning has thrown the ball to the tight end as much as anyone over the past decade, and Engram may be the best ball catcher and athlete he’s ever had from that spot.His presence will take some defensive attention off of Odell Beckham.