Similar to Kyle Pitts, the fantasy industry is looking for former first-round pick Evan Engram to become relevant again in 2025. Engram signed a 2 year contract with the Denver Broncos in March. The two-time Pro Bowler will look to revitalize his career with the Broncos. Those of us within the fantasy community know the potential that the tight end can have within Sean Payton’s offense. Former Saints tight-end Jimmy Graham was a fantasy stud for multiple years while playing for Payton. Let’s further discuss what the Engram’s role might lead to, and the possibility that he becomes a late-round fantasy gem at tight end.
Evan Engram Could Be Prime Breakout Target in 2025
The Joker Role in the Sean Payton Offense is a Coveted Fantasy Asset
It has been widely reported at OTAs that Evan Engram has been running the ‘Joker’ position on offense within the Denver offense. Coach Payton made it known that finding a player to play the ‘Joker’ position was imperative this offseason. That player within his offense is a pass-catching weapon who is a threat in the middle of the field.
In New Orleans, Jimmy Graham played that key position for Payton. From 2011-2014, Graham averaged 138 targets, 89 receptions, 16.9 fantasy points, and found paydirt 46 times. Payton, who has a history of using his tight ends, mustered only 52 catches from the position last season.
Engram has a TE1 within his range of fantasy outcomes in 2025. Outside of Courtland Sutton, there is no clear-cut number two option in the Broncos’ passing game. Glowing reports are coming out of OTAs that Engram might be a huge get for Bo Nix and the Denver offense.
Evan Engram Has The Ability to be A TE1 in Fantasy
It was only two years ago that Engram nearly set the all-time tight end single-season record for catches. In the 2023 fantasy season, he garnered 143 targets and hauled in 114 catches for 963 yards. Engram finished as the overall TE2, just behind Detroit Lions’ Sam LaPorta. In addition, Engram has finished as a Top 10 tight end five times in his first seven years in the NFL.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will look to take a step forward and build off last season’s QB7 finish. Under Nix, Denver was in the top 6 in pass attempts and completions. The targets should be there for Engram, and we feel he can take off in 2025, and at 6-3 and 240 pounds, he has the size to be a red-zone factor for Payton.
Currently in Best Ball drafts, Engram is going off draft boards as the TE6 with an ADP of 83. I would not consider the seventh round necessarily a late-round pick, but Engram has the potential to out-produce his ADP. Sean Payton will find ways to utilize Engram and create mismatches like he did with Jimmy Graham. When playing fantasy football, we always want to be a year ahead on a player and not a year behind. That is how to get ahead of the competition. Evan Engram can be one of those players at tight end for us this season!
Main Image: Ron Chenoy – USA Today Sports
