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Fantasy Football: What to expect from Evan Engram in 2021

For the first time in his career, New York Giants tight end Evan Engram played all 16 games last year. He also started a career-high 14 games, and made the Pro Bowl roster. His 109 targets were the fourth-most among tight ends, yielding 63 receptions for 654 yards and one touchdown. He also had a rushing touchdown.

As a rookie in 2017, Engram was a top-5 fantasy tight end. Due to missing (13) nearly as many games as he played (19) over the following two seasons, his catch totals fell into the 40s in 2018 and 2019. With better health in 2020, the target volume came back. But with a drop from six touchdowns in 2019 to one last year (two total), Engram finished as just TE15 in full PPR.

Engram is regarded as a high-level athlete, so last year’s 10.4 yards per catch and 4.6 yards after the catch are disappointing numbers. Only getting 17 red zone targets is disappointing too, though not totally in his control. What is in his control are drops. He had 11 last year, and Pro Football Focus tabbed six interceptions on passes thrown his way. The latter number can be blamed a bit on Daniel Jones, but a deeper look at the tape might be revealing one way or another.

RELATED: 3 bold predictions for Daniel Jones in 2021

The Giants signed tight end Kyle Rudolph this offseason. His best asset in his size, which makes him a nice red zone target. If the former Viking is going to vulture notable production from Engram as the Giants’ TE2, it’ll be in the touchdown column.

Jones taking a notable step this year will be big for the entire Giants’ offense. The return of running back Saquon Barkley, even if he’s eased in early, will of course be good too. New York also added Kenny Golladay an Kadarius Toney to their wide receiver mix via free agency and the draft.

READ More: Fantasy Football: What to expect from Saquon Barkley in 2021

Evan Engram 2021 Fantasy Outlook

Engram is entering the final year of his contract. The ship has probably sailed on the idea of the Giants trading him, and he’s lined up as the second option in the passing game.

There’s a gap in the fantasy sentiment around Engram right now. Fantasy Football Calculator’s ADP has him at TE9 (pick 8.11) in 12-team full PPR. In Fantasy Pros consensus ranking (PPR), he’s TE14. In standard scoring, those numbers are TE8 (12-team) and TE17 respectively.

Engram is shaping up to be an ideal target for those who wait to draft a tight end. (I’d be raising my hand if I wasn’t typing). If you’re like me in stubborn refusal to draft the Travis Kelces of the world, the Giants’ tight end has to be on your radar.

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