Evan Engram (DEN, TE1) — 2025 outlook and takeaways

- Role and offense
  - Denver TE1 in a Payton-led system; likely used as the middle/slot “joker” type target.
  - Primary targets: Courtland Sutton is the alpha; Engram sits behind him with real but secondary target share.
  - Slot/routing: Expect increased middle-field/driven targets; upside ifEngram stays on the field as a primary mismatch for defenses.

- Target landscape and volume
  - Realistic: 60–90 targets; 40–60 receptions; 500–750+ yards; 4–6 TDs.
  - Ceiling: 75–100 targets; 50–65 receptions; 600–800 yards; 6–8 TDs if offense thrives and TDs bump.
  - TD volatility: Historically not a prolific red-zone TD scorer; some regression/uptick risk depending on play-caller usage and red-zone role.

- Sentiment across sources
  - Mixed/realistic: Consistent view that Engram is a solid TE1 option but not elite; ADP around TE11 in many forecasts.
  - Positive regression chatter: Some threads expect more TDs (TD regression to the mean in a favorable offense), plus Payton/Joker role could unlock more targets.
  - Cautionary notes: FF Hound explicitly fades Engram in Round 7 due to cheaper, comparable upside later (TE11). Divergence exists between “top-tier TE value” conversations and Engram’s projected draft cost.

- Key discussion points from Reddit/FFH insights
  - Target competition: Sutton is the clear alpha; Engram’s share hinges on Mims/Franklin/Bryant staying healthy and Engram’s involvement in the offense.
  - Mims/Pat Bryant/theory: Trade rumors or roster changes could shift Engram’s target distribution; some notes mention Mims trade freeing up Engram, though this is speculative.
  - Red-zone TDs: Engram not viewed as a premier red-zone weapon; any extra TDs would be a surprise and a driver of upside.
  - Payton/Joker role: If Engram fulfills the “joker” role effectively, he could see a sweet-spot target volume comparable to mid-tier top TEs; otherwise, risk remains of a flat year.
  - Draft strategy context: Many discussions push Engram as a potential value, but several analysts warn against paying TE11–TE9 prices if cheaper upside exists elsewhere.

- Draft strategy recommendations
  - Where to target: Consider Engram around TE11 range; he’s a solid late-te1/high-end TE2 depending on your build.
  - If you miss top TEs (Kittle/Kelce/Andrews/Engram): Engram is a clearer one-teamer option; if you want a safer floor, wait and punt.
  - Payoff vs cost: If Engram climbs into the top 9 TEs, fade him in favor of cheaper upside (e.g., Loveland/Kraft/Warren or other late-teens options). If he’s around TE11, he’s a reasonable anchor.
  - Pairing strategy: Consider a two-TE approach with Engram paired with a high-upside TE2 (Loveland, Kraft, or Warren) or use Engram as your sole TE1 and load flexibility elsewhere.

- In-season watchlist
  - Week-by-week usage: monitor Engram’s target share, route percentage, and red-zone opportunities.
  - Offense health: any shifts in Sutton/Mims/Bryant usage could boost or depress Engram’s weeks.
  - TD signals: track scoring patterns; a spike in red-zone looks would significantly lift floor.

- Bottom line
  - Engram is a viable, not flashy, TE1 option in 2025. He benefits from a Peyton offense with a clear WR1 but faces TD and red-zone usage questions.
  - Most realistic path is mid-TE1 production with occasional upside if the offense clicks and Engram earns more targets.
  - Treat him as a value-target if he’s around TE11; avoid paying top-10 TE prices for him. If he’s priced higher, fade in favor of higher-upside cheaper TEs.