Why Isn't Anybody Talking about Evan Engram?

This draft is loaded at the TE position, but it's not like Engram would be a reach any other year at the 18th spot. Unlike many others in the position at the collegiate level, he was the featured receiver on the team and put up nearly 1,000 yards in his final season. I found the lack of hype around him from mocks and scouts to be a bit odd, considering he actually did things that many TEs like Howard, Njoku, etc. are basically being projected to be able to do (be a receiver).

Let us take this into account-his athleticism. Neither Williams nor Davis are running a 4.42. Engram has the athleticism to get open, unlike Williams, and he's got great size as a receiver, superior to the slightly-built Davis. Evans was one of the best athletes at receiver or TE today. His speed and explosiveness makes him every bit the mismatch that Njoku (who is only an inch taller) and Howard are, and we know for sure that he can handle the role of a featured receiver.

I'm not saying that this is the way we should go with the 18th pick, I'm just surprised that the other two guys were mocked here and Engram was falling to the 3rd in some cases. Howard makes sense, given his size and blocking ability, but I'd take a Jordan Reed (Engram) over a Jared Cook (Howard), which is where he could end up if he proves to be an inconsistent receiver . Njoku fell off my radar-I didn't watch any tape, but the "elite athleticism" advertised by scouts seemed to be a bit overstated after seeing his combine numbers, he isn't a proven blocker, and has an 11% drop rate? That sounds like your 3rd round guy there.

 

I never said he is "not athletic". But the scouts were suggesting Vernon Davis type combine numbers, and he really wasn't close to that. If he were a polished receiver that would be great, but if you combine his drop rate and lack of blocking experience and the fact that he's not even the best athlete at the position in the draft , I'm not seeing a player worth taking at 18.

 

If a guy who is getting 100 yards against Alabama isn't sticking out to you, then you have incredibly unrealistic expectations. TEs aren't like ODB, they don't flash and electrify all over the field. They are just really big guys who catch the ball.