New York Giants’ midseason review: Evan Engram justifying first-round draft selection

The New York Giants set out to upgrade their tight end position in the offseason. There are a number of things the Giants did not accomplish in the offseason, part of why they are 1-6, but they were successful in this endeavor.

Let’s look more closely at tight end as we continue our position-by-position midseason reviews.

First-round pick Evan Engram leads all rookie receivers with 30 receptions. Only running back Christian McCaffrey (44 receptions) has more. He also leads in receiving yards with 342. McCaffrey has only 329 despite the 14 additional catches. His speed and route-running are proving difficult for linebackers and safeties. In Week 7, the Seattle Seahawks at times used cornerback Richard Sherman on Engram.

Jeremy Shockey (74 receptions, 894 yards) hold the franchise records in those categories for tight ends. Engram will have to pick up the pace to shatter either of those marks, but considering that he is now the focal point of the passing attack those could be within reach.

We can argue about how the Giants are deploying Engram, but he is producing.

Free-agent signee Rhett Ellison has six catches and has perhaps not had the blocking impact the Giants hoped, but that’s tough to judge. Jerell Adams and Matt LaCosse have played sparingly.

Overall grade: “Kudos.” Engram’s performance has been excellent, and I love the way he carries himself. He is a worker who wants to get better.