NFL executive makes strong statement about Denver Broncos' big offseason addition that makes ESPN look foolish
Late last month, ESPN's Ben Solak wrote that he's "less enthusiastic" than other NFL analysts about the Denver Broncos' offseason addition of tight end Evan Engram. Denver signed Engram to a two-year deal worth $23 million. The former first round draft pick is expected to serve in the "joker" role in Sean Payton's offense. "I'm […]
Late last month, ESPN's Ben Solak wrote that he's "less enthusiastic" than other NFL analysts about the Denver Broncos' offseason addition of tight end Evan Engram.
Denver signed Engram to a two-year deal worth $23 million. The former first round draft pick is expected to serve in the "joker" role in Sean Payton's offense.
"I'm confident Engram will have productive days as a high-volume pass catcher when the matchup demands it," wrote Solak. "But that's the tricky thing about him: He adds the most value when he's a high-volume underneath receiver. On days in which Courtland Sutton demands high volume, or on which the Broncos want to be a run-heavy team…Engram could be obsolete. He doesn't create big plays downfield or after the catch, and he isn't an impactful blocker."
At least one NFL executive feels differently than Solak about Engram's potential impact with the Broncos in 2025.
“I’ll bet you Evan Engram catches at least 75 balls next year," said an NFL executive this week to The Athletic. "He will have a big year because he can run and catch. Sean will make him the focal point of their offense on third downs.”
Engram caught a career high 114 passes with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023. The former Ole Miss standout caught 47 passes in nine games for the Jaguars last season (which extrapolates to 89 receptions over a full 17 game season). 75 receptions seems like a more than reasonable expectation for Engram in 2025.
And 75 receptions for a tight end is certainly worth being enthusiastic about — especially with the Broncos likely to add more offensive weapons via the 2025 NFL Draft.
ESPN may not think that Engram will have a huge impact in Denver, but executives around the league clearly think he will.
