Evan Engram Hype: Why Skepticism Is the Smart Bet for the Broncos
The Denver Broncos need more production from their tight end room, and the hope has been that Evan Engram could answer that call. His first season in Denver was a disappointment, but with a year in the system under his belt, could Engram finally meet expectations in 2026? The early camp hype says yes, but a closer look at his career history says otherwise.
Engram's 2025 Season Was Closer to His Career Norm Than Fans Realize
Engram's 2025 campaign was more in line with his career standard than many fans might think. He caught 50 passes for 461 yards with the Broncos. In his previous eight seasons, he had as many years under 600 yards as over 600 yards, with four each.
His career average over those eight seasons is 615 yards. The 461 yards last year came up a bit short of that mark, but it was not far off from what he has traditionally produced.
Engram's 50 receptions were dead center on his career average, with four seasons with more than 50 catches and four with fewer. He missed time in 2025, but he has only played a full season three times in his career, and he only missed one game last year.
Engram finished third on the team in receiving last year, yet he still failed to meet expectations. There is room for more, but again, it was not far off from his typical output.
Why the Camp Hype Should Be Discounted
There are two main reasons to sell the Engram hype. First, Engram has a history of looking great during camp, but when the games begin, he does not quite translate that momentum. It does not mean he is a terrible player in the regular season, but he struggles to convert his camp form for the most part. After last year's camp hype, there is good reason to doubt it.
Quiet Since the Pads Went On
The second reason is that most of Engram's camp hype this summer came during the unpadded practice days. Since the pads went on, he has been a lot quieter. He has made a play or two during padded practices, but not at the same level of explosiveness he showed on the first two days of camp.
Engram is not the most physical player, even for a tight end, and he is a finesse receiver. When opponents can match him with physicality, it tends to create issues for him, another common trend throughout his career.
Why This Year Could Be Different
Why could this year be different? It starts with new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who may have a very specific vision for utilizing Engram to get even more out of him. Hopefully, the preseason games will give us a glimpse of what Webb has in store, starting with Friday night's debut against the Atlanta Falcons.
Engram seemed to be in Sean Payton's doghouse at times last season, which led to questionable usage and some emotional moments on the sideline.
The other reason is Bo Nix, who seems to have a newfound chemistry and confidence in targeting Engram, though every quarterback has found an outlet in the veteran tight end. When re-analyzing last year's games, it seemed as if Payton and Nix did not fully trust Engram. If that is fixed this year, it could lead to more usage, especially if Webb has cracked the code.
Is the Engram Hype Worth Buying?
I am not buying the hype around Engram, and until I see it in the regular season, I will remain skeptical. In all honesty, though, I want to be wrong, but only time will tell.
A careful study of Engram's NFL history only further highlights the wisdom of being skeptical at this point.