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New York Giants Select Evan Engram With 23rd Pick In 2017 NFL Draft

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs with the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants selected Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

With the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram. The Giants have added yet another weapon for Eli Manning, who now has an embarrassment of riches to throw the ball to.

The Giants needed to upgrade the tight end position. They signed Rhett Ellison in free agency to help as a blocker. Engram now gives them a move tight end that can catch the ball. But, calling Engram a tight end may be a reach.

He is listed as a tight end but rarely lined up as an inline tight end. He was more of a slot receiver for the Rebels, and an extremely productive one at that. Manning will enjoy having a player that can stretch the field up the seam.

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Engram took full advantage of the pre-draft process as he performed well at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl. That helped him raise his stock, which landed him with the Giants 23rd overall. Engram will bring a ton of athleticism to the Giants at tight end, where athleticism was lacking with plodders Will Tye and Larry Donnell soaking up most of the snaps in recent seasons.

Engram’s athleticism should play well right out of the gate. Tight ends usually struggle as rookies, but the Giants should be able to utilize his skill set without putting him in tough predicaments. With Ellison being used mostly as a blocker, the Giants should be able to use Engram mostly as a receiver.

Engram will never be mistaken for a strong blocker. The Giants have to make sure they do not expose him in that area. They have to make sure they play to his strengths until he can hopefully gain some strength to become at least an adequate blocker.

The Giants have added another playmaker to their arsenal with this selection. Manning will be happy as he now has someone that can be a difference maker in the middle of the field and up the seam. He will be a matchup nightmare with his polished route running and athleticism.

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Engram has been compared to Jordan Reed by some scouts. If he develops into that sort of receiver, minus the concussions and injuries, the Giants have found quite a player with the 23rd pick.

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