As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Evan Engram.
Evan Engram’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
It’s been quite the rocky ride for Engram throughout his career. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, catching 64 of 115 targets for 722 yards and six touchdowns. His 11.6 fantasy points per game marked the second-best fantasy season for a rookie TE of all time (Jeremy Shockey averaged 11.7 ppg as a rookie in 2002).
Engram was just as good in his sophomore season, averaging 11.3 ppg, but injuries limited him to 11 games played. That was the start of Engram earning the dreaded “injury-prone” label. He missed half the 2019 season as well. But when on the field, he was stellar, averaging 13.7 ppg.
Engram’s health issues ceased beginning in 2020. Since then, he’s missed just two games, both in 2021. Ironically, while he was able to stay on the field, his production was lacking. Engram averaged 8.8 ppg in 2020 and 6.8 ppg in 2021. The precipitous drop in performance led the Giants to move on from him after his fifth season.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Engram signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Jaguars. Well, he proved it.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
Engram was a revelation, catching 73 passes for 766 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged a very serviceable 10.4 ppg, good for an overall TE7 finish. However, it was his spike weeks that really made him valuable.
Engram posted five games of at least 14 fantasy points. More importantly, he had a scorching stretch from Weeks 13-16, in which he posted games of 14.0, 39.2, 14.2, and 18.3 fantasy points, carrying managers to the championship.
What was really impressive about Engram’s 2022 was his utilization. He was targeted on 22.6% of his routes run and led all tight ends in slot rate.
NFL teams love tight ends that can block and catch passes. Fantasy managers just need the latter. In fact, we prefer tight ends that can’t block because the more routes they run, the better. Engram being split out as a receiver 37% of the time is fantastic.
Evan Engram’s Fantasy Ranking
There’s no denying Engram earned himself a multi-year contract with this 2022 performance. Given the way he was used in Jacksonville, fantasy managers would love to see him stick around beyond this year. He and the Jaguars will continue working toward that extension. But for now, Engram will have to make do with the franchise tag. While we don’t yet know for sure where Engram might play in 2024, we know he will at least stay in Jacksonville for the 2023 season.
Engram’s fantasy value will be impacted by where he signs. If he does end up playing out the season on the franchise tag and leaving next year, hopefully he ends up on a team without too many established pass catchers.
For this season, Engram should be valued pretty similarly to how he was last season, with perhaps a slight tick down due to the impending addition of Calvin Ridley.
Regardless, Engram should be valued as a borderline TE1 in dynasty. He is currently the TE9, No. 108 overall in our dynasty Superflex rankings.
Much like every non-Travis Kelce tight end, he’s not going to necessarily make or break your season, but you can certainly get by with Engram as your TE1. At 29 years old this season, I would still be interested in Engram at the right price in dynasty startup drafts.