Evan Engram: From Ole Miss Standout to NFL Pro
Evan Michael Engram, born on September 2, 1994, has carved out a notable career in professional football. From his high school days in Powder Springs, Georgia, to becoming a prominent tight end in the NFL, Engram's journey is marked by impressive performances and accolades. This article explores his college career at Ole Miss, tracing his development into an NFL prospect.
Early Years and High School Career
Born and raised in Powder Springs, Georgia, Evan Engram attended Hillgrove High School. As a senior, he showcased his receiving skills with 40 catches for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns, foreshadowing his future potential.
College Career at Ole Miss (2013-2016)
Engram committed to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he played for the Rebels from 2013 to 2016. His versatility and receiving prowess quickly made him a key component of the Ole Miss offense.
2013 Season: Freshman Year
Evan Engram is one of the few holdovers from the University of Mississippi’s stellar recruiting class of 2013. Along with Laremy Tunsil, Engram was one of two freshmen to earn All-SEC honors.
2014 Season: Sophomore Success
Engram's sophomore season marked his emergence on the national stage. He started all 13 games and led all SEC tight ends with 662 receiving yards. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors from multiple sources, including the Associated Press, coaches, ESPN.com, Phil Steele, Athlon, and College Sports Madness. He also received second-team All-American recognition from Sports Illustrated, third-team All-American from Sports on Earth, and fourth-team All-American nods from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
Read also: High School Roots of a Future NFL Star: Evan McPherson
2015 Season: Junior Year
During his junior year, Engram's production saw a slight decline. He played in all 13 games, starting 12, and recorded 38 receptions for 464 yards and two touchdowns.
2016 Season: Senior Year and Conerly Trophy
Engram saved his best for last, delivering a record-breaking senior season. Although he missed the Egg Bowl due to a hamstring injury, he started 11 games and set school records for most catches, yards, and touchdowns by a tight end in a season and career. He finished the year with career-high totals of 65 receptions for 926 yards and eight scores. His exceptional performance culminated in winning the 2016 Conerly Trophy, awarded to the best college football player from Mississippi four-year colleges and universities. By winning the Conerly Trophy, Engram became the sixth Rebel to receive the honor.
College Statistics Overview
In his four seasons at Ole Miss, Engram played in 45 games with 42 starts, amassing 162 receptions for 2,320 yards (a 14.3-yard average) and 15 touchdowns.
NFL Draft and the New York Giants (2017-2021)
2017 NFL Draft
Entering the 2017 NFL Draft, Engram was highly regarded for his speed, receiving skills, and versatility. The New York Giants selected him in the first round with the 23rd overall pick, making him the second tight end chosen in the draft.
Joining the Giants
Giants' general manager Jerry Reese highlighted Engram's potential as a "dynamic weapon" in the offense, capable of creating matchup problems for opposing defenses. Coach Ben McAdoo emphasized Engram's ability to stretch the field vertically, adding a new dimension to the Giants' passing game.
Read also: Evan Neal: College to Pro
2017 Season: Rookie Year
Engram made his professional debut in the Giants' season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, recording four receptions for 44 yards. His first career touchdown came in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions. By season's end, he had established himself as a key receiving target, finishing with 64 receptions for 722 yards and six touchdowns.
Subsequent Seasons with the Giants
Throughout his tenure with the Giants, Engram displayed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency and dropped passes. Despite these challenges, the Giants picked up his fifth-year option in 2020, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection that same year.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-2024)
2022 Season
Engram signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, quickly becoming a vital part of their offense. He concluded the season with 73 catches for 766 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his reliability as a receiving threat.
2023 Season
The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Engram in 2023 and later signed him to a three-year deal. He had a remarkable season, amassing 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns, setting a franchise record for receptions by a tight end. This performance placed him among the elite tight ends in the league, with only a handful achieving over 100 receptions in a single season.
2024 Season
Engram's 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting his playing time and effectiveness.
Read also: Mobley's Journey to the NBA
Denver Broncos (2025-Present)
2025 Season
After being released by the Jaguars, Engram signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos in March 2025.
Player Profile
Evan Engram is known for his exceptional receiving skills, speed, and ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. While he may not be a traditional in-line blocking tight end, his versatility and athleticism make him a valuable asset to any offense.
tags: #evan #engram #college #career
