Mile High Report
Evan Engram could be a game changer.
Evan Engram’s run with the Jacksonville Jaguars began in 2022 and came to an unceremonious end last season. He amassed 2,094-yards on 234 receptions for 9-touchdowns, but his 2024 season was cut nearly in half due to injuries. On March 13 of this year, TE Evan Engram signed a two-year, $23 million deal with the Denver Broncos. So what’s it going to look like with Broncos quarterback Bo Nix throwing Engram the ball?
First off, it’s important to note that the Broncos have not had a legit pass catching tight end since Julius Thomas self immolated and disappeared, ironically, with the Jacksonville Jaguars. For years, Broncos fans have hoped that the likes of Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Jeff Heuerman would ascend to own the tight end role for the Denver Broncos. They did not.
“In Jacksonville, I was kind of a master of the underneath game, which is big for offenses, it’s big for young quarterbacks, it’s big for staying ahead of the chains,” Engram said, via Bennie Fowler of DNVR. “I love that role in that offense. And I’m going to continue to be great at that and be great at whatever I’m asked to do. But I think the vertical presence that he [Sean Payton] mentioned and brought to the table and the vision he had for that was really big for me too. Because I do have that part in my game and I’m ready to be unleashed in that aspect. ...That’s something I’m going to fully embrace. Whatever I’m asked to do, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”
What about the running game? With a legit inside threat at the tight end position, defenses will be less comfortable loading up the box in an effort to stop the ground game. As a blocker, he’s average, though reports are that he’s improved that part of his game. That, for the Broncos, is an upgrade at the tight end position.
It’s been a long time since the Broncos have had the kind of stability at owner, coach, and quarterback that they have now. It’s great to finally work on building around something rather than continually rebuilding on top of suspect foundations. Broncos Country isn’t expecting miracles this season, but they do want to see improvement. He may not be the second coming of Shannon Sharpe, but he’s going to be the upgrade that Denver has longed for.
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