Sifting through the teaching moments and F-bombs during practice to find the positives can be difficult when it comes to New York Giants’ head coach Joe Judge. However, when he says something positive, you have to take it seriously considering the intensity he brings to the team and media.
On Thursday, the Giants held their fourth practice of intensified monthly training leading up to the regular season.
One of the stand out players through four days has been tight end Evan Engram, who Judge has raved about since joining on Monday.
Evidently, Engram missed eight games during the 2019 season with a mid-foot sprain suffered against the New England Patriots. Staying healthy has been Engram’s biggest challenge, but when he is available and on the field, he’s one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.
During his rookie season, starting in 11 games and making 15 appearances, Evan posted 722 yards and six scores. That is just a small glimpse into the potential he holds, and Judge knows what his influence on offense can be.
Here’s what New York Giants head coach Joe Judge had to say about Engram in his daily press conference:
“There’s a difference between being in shape and training, and he came in here ready to train… he’s got a high motor and a large gas tank… he’s one of the guys I tell constantly ‘man I really enjoy watching you practice'”
“The way he works every day and the attention to detail … To me, it’s always ‘Can this guy reach his potential based on how he’s working?’ This guy has a high ceiling. He’s very, very talented.”
Engram is best utilized on mesh and seam concepts, which will be utilized by new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Considering how frequently Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin thrashed the Giants over the past few seasons, we can expect tight ends and a heavy rushing attack to be the focal point of the offense. That means Engram and Saquon Barkley will get plenty of reps. All of you, fantasy football players, should note that.
It is hugely positive to see Judge making positive statements regarding Engram, as most have given up on him this point. Going into his fourth year, the Giants have already picked up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, so we will see at least one more season of the speedy tight end in blue.