New York Giants Top 7 Most Critical Players of 2020: TE Evan Engram
There is probably no player that is more important to the success of the Giants’ offense in 2020 than tight end Evan Engram.
The first-round pick in 2017 out of Ole Miss has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his first three seasons in the NFL and has yet to really reach his potential. But when he's been healthy, there is no denying that Engram has the talent necessary to be one of the top tight ends in the NFL.
During his rookie season in 2017, Engram showed how productive he can be. Playing in 15 games, he had a team-leading 64 receptions for 722 yards and scored six touchdowns. With Odell Beckham Jr. missing a chunk of that season due to an injury, Engram became quarterback Eli Manning’s favorite target.
Since then, Engram has struggled to stay healthy. In his second season, he missed five games in 2018 because of two separate injuries. He finished that year with 45 catches for a total of 577 yards and had only three touchdowns.
The hope was that Engram would really emerge as an elite tight end in his third season, but he was hampered by injuries again including a season-ending foot ailment that required surgery. Up until that point, Engram had 44 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns in 2019.
Had he not missed most of the second half of the season, Engram could have finally had a breakout campaign. He got off to a great start with Daniel Jones when Jones took over as the Giants’ starting quarterback in Week 3 against the Bucs.
Jones’ first NFL start was certainly a memorable one, as he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns and also scored twice on the ground. Engram had a great performance that day as well, catching six passes from his rookie quarterback for a total of 113 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown reception.
Jones and Engram clearly have good chemistry, but they weren't able to further it in 2019. If Engram manages to stay healthy for the whole year, there is no doubt that he will be one of the Giants’ leading receivers.
Jones should be looking Engram's way a lot in 2020, especially with Jason Garrett now calling the plays.
There is possibly no player on the Giants stands to benefit more from the hiring of Garrett than Engram. Throughout his tenure as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, tight ends were always a major part of Garrett’s offense.
Expect him to use plenty of multi-tight end sets this season. This should be good for Engram, as either Kaden Smith or Levine Toilolo can block, leaving him free to be a receiver.
It would not be that surprising if Engram ends up leading the Giants in targets and receptions this season. As long as he remains healthy, he is going to be one of the focal points of Garrett’s offense.
Expect Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Darius Slayton to all still be very involved in the offense. However, Engram has a good chance to be Jones’ top target in 2020.
There is no denying that Engram has the talent to finally have a Pro Bowl-type season. He recently received some high praise from head coach Joe Judge for all the work that he put in this offseason during the recovery process from his foot injury.
In the end, what kind of a season Engram has will largely depend on his health. Engram has the potential to have a huge year if he plays in all 16 games. This is why he is so vital to the success of the Giants’ offense in 2020.
