One of the key players that can make or break the New York Giants’ playoff chances next season is Evan Engram. The 2017 first round pick plays one of the most important positions for a modern passing offense, tight end, and set franchise records last season.
He had the most touchdowns in a season by a rookie tight end, and also the most consecutive games with a touchdown for a rookie tight end. In 2018, it would be a significant help to the Giants if Engram keeps up the same production and builds on what he did last season. Especially with Eli Manning coming off of a down season and looking to bounce back, despite his age.
What did Engram have to say about some of the Giants’ other players, however? This was his take on Odell Beckham Jr.
“He looks really good. He’s running all his routes, making all his breaks, making all the cuts. He’s getting his confidence back. Definitely he looks like his old self. He’s definitely motivated and excited about the opportunity he has this year to be 100 percent and ready to go.”
Engram was, of course, referencing Beckham’s recovery from the ankle injury that ended his 2017 season far too soon. In a way, that injury was the turning point in the Giants’ season. It represented the wheels coming off fully, and the Giants wouldn’t recover from losing their biggest star.
The news that Beckham is looking like his old self is something relieving for the fanbase, as there was much offseason discussion about whether the Giants should spend big to renew a player coming off of an injury. Engram didn’t just talk about Beckham, though.
He reminded everyone how much talent is on the offense this year, and agreed with Ben McAdoo’s prediction that the Giants will win the NFC East. “I’m glad he said it. It’s really realistic. As competitors, that’s the goal, to go out and win games and win as many as you can. We’re not worried about last year. It’s a new year. We have a really good team.”
The Giants have a good team indeed this year, one that Engram will play a big part in. After all, if he made the All-Rookie team during a 3-13 season, it’s easy to imagine him doing even better now that the entire roster has been upgraded.