2017 NFL Scouting Report: Ole Miss Tight End Evan Engram

One prospect who the Denver Broncos have been showing interest in and may consider in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft is former Ole Miss tight end, Evan Engram. He is a 6'3", 234lb tight end who is considered one of the better tight end prospects in this deep class. Engram is ranked as the 29th overall prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is ranked as the 3rd best tight end in this class.

Engram played four seasons at Ole Miss and put up some impressive numbers. During his four-year career, he totaled 162 receptions for 2,320 yards and 15 touchdowns. This past season he totaled 65 receptions for 926 yards and 8 touchdowns. His success this past season earned him first-team All-SEC and All-American honors this past season.

Evan Engram

Tight end, Junior, Ole Miss

Height: 6'3" Weight: 234lbs 40 time: 4.42 seconds(Top performer among his positional group)

Arm Length: 33 1/2" Hands: 10"

Bench Press: 19 reps Vertical Jump: 36 inches (Top performer among his positional group)

Broad Jump: 125 inches 3 Cone Drill: 6.92 seconds  (Top performer among his positional group)

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.23 seconds

Film Room

Scouting Report

Strengths:

• Explosive for a tight end(4.42 speed)
• Great athletic ability
• Good body control
• Creates separation on linebackers and safeties
• His leaping ability is evident on tape, backed it up at the Combine
• Dangerous in space
• Has long arms for his height
• Will be a move tight end in NFL and a matchup problem
• Willing blocker
• Experienced player who thrived in the SEC

Weaknesses:

• Is a tweener at the position
• Not a traditional tight end, and will be used more like a bigger wide receiver
• While a willing blocker, he doesn't have the size or strength to thrive in that area
• Didn't run a complicated route tree in college
• Has had some issues with drops
• Needs to run crisper routes
• Will be scheme specific in the NFL

Does Evan Engram make sense for the Broncos?

I like the fit

When I watch Evan Engram I see Washington Redskins tight end, Jordan Reed. Reed entered the league at 6-2, 236lbs with 33-inch arms, and a 4.7 40 time. They are pretty comparable outside of Engram's blazing 40 time.

Engram can line up outside, in the slot, in the backfield, and maybe even in-line on occasion. He won't be used like a traditional tight end but will be used as one of those move tight ends we see now in the league.

Like Reed, he will be a matchup problem for defenses because he'll have a few inches and 30 to 40 pounds on the corners covering him or will be too quick and athletic for most NFL linebackers and safeties. So paired with a creative offensive mind who has had great success with tight ends, I think Engram can thrive in the NFL.

Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy is exactly that type of coach.

At Ole Miss, Engram served as quarterback's Chad Kelly's safety net, and I believe he can do the same for the Broncos young quarterbacks. McCoy has had success with tight ends while coaching the Chargers and I believe he can fit Engram's skill set into his offense.

I think it would be wishful thinking to believe that Engram will be there at pick 51, but if so I think the Broncos should select the playmaking tight end.