If only New York Giants tight end Evan Engram had better hands, he would be an All-Pro level player. Engram has been one of the more polarizing players for the Giants since being drafted back in 2017. The Giants have already picked up his fifth-year option for 2021, but some might argue he should be a trade candidate this off-season after a tumultuous 2020 season.
Interestingly, Engram was tapped with a Pro-Bowl nod this past year, finally playing in all 16 games after dealing with injuries in his first three seasons. Oddly, he wasn’t much more productive than any other year, he just remained healthy. He recorded 654 yards and just one touchdown, the lowest scoring year in his career. In addition, he recorded the second-lowest catch-rate of his career at 57.8%. He also recorded his first fumble in four years, which indicates that maybe he didn’t deserve to make the Pro Bowl after all. In fact, the video of him finding out shows him just as surprised as we were.
On top of his average numbers, Evan was directly responsible for eight drops and five tipped balls that turned into interceptions. In total, he can be blamed for six turnovers once you include his fumble. It is very odd that officials from around the NFL hold him in such high regard, considering his average blocking abilities and inability to catch passes consistently.
The New York Giants still believe Evan Engram is an asset and not a liability:
However, if we are going to harp on the negatives, it is only fair to state the positives. Engram is capable of providing electric play-making ability at any given moment with his elite speed from the position. Not only is he an above-average athlete, but he is a hard worker who commits to refinement. According to PFF, though, he had his worst year in the NFL in 2020, with a 60.5 overall grade.
It is very odd that a player with his qualities simply can’t manage to round out his skill set. His catching technique needs a lot of work, as he often jumps right before the football reaches him, making it easier for defenders to dislodge the ball and harder for him to haul in the catch. Considering he’s going into his fifth year in the NFL, it is very unlikely he fixes these consistent problems in one off-season. However, remaining healthy for the first time in his career is something to be proud of. The Giants do consider him as one of their top playmakers, so I don’t believe they will move on from him this off-season, especially considering his price-tag. Engram will earn $6 million in 2021, up from $2 million this past season. That is a 300% increase, so trading him for a third-round pick, if possible, might be in their best interest.