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New York Giants: Evan Engram Is Todd McShay’s Favorite Pick

By Kenneth Teape

Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs the ball during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs the ball during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Alabama won 48-43. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants first-round pick, tight end Evan Engram, was Todd McShay’s favorite pick for the team in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants had an interesting 2017 NFL Draft. You will get some wide-ranging answers about how people felt about the draft depending on who you ask. Some people loved the additions the Giants made, as some holes were filled. Some people had mixed feelings, while others flat out didn’t like much of what unfolded.

No matter where your feelings about the whole draft fall, there is one thing for certain; Eli Manning will be happy to have Evan Engram in the fold. Engram will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares trying to figure out how to slow down the 6-feet-3 inch, 234 pound ‘tight end’.

Engram has received comparisons to Washington Redskins tight end, Jordan Reed. If you take out the injury concerns, that is something Giants fans should be very excited about. They have witnessed first hand on multiple occasions the damage that Reed is capable of doing in the middle of the field.

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He has some excellent athleticism for a player his size, running a 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The Giants received the worst production in the NFL from the tight end spot last season, so Engram will immediately give them an upgrade there.

That is why he was ESPN’s Todd McShay’s favorite pick of the Giants. Here is what McShay had to say about the pick.

"The Giants ranked last in the NFL last season in yards per catch from their tight ends (7.7 YPC). Engram will change that in a hurry. At 6-foot-3 and with 4.42 speed, Engram is a tight end build for the NFL in 2017 — like the Redskins’ Jordan Reed but more athletic. He’s a perfect fit in a Giants offense that likes to spread defenses out thanks to his elite route-running ability."

There is a lot to like from what McShay shared. Elite route-running combined with that type of athleticism will be difficult to defend. Add in that Manning also has Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Brandon Marshall at his disposal, so the Giants will be difficult to defend through the air.

Engram isn’t a perfect player though. He brings virtually nothing in the blocking game. He rarely played inline at Ole Miss, lining up mostly as a slot receiver. The Giants have to hope that he can become at least slightly below-average, if not average as a blocker or his playing time could be limited.

The Giants do have Rhett Ellison as a blocking tight end, so they will not have to rely on him as a blocker right away. But developing some strength and blocking would enable the Giants to use him more.

Next: Complete 2017 NFL Draft First Round Grades

Right now, he brings a lot to the table to like. His receiving ability alone brings another dimension to the Giants offense. He has the highest chance of making an impact in Year One of anyone from this year’s Giants’ draft class.

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