NFL News & Analysis

Draft Daily: Why TE Evan Engram is a mismatch weapon

OXFORD, MS - NOVEMBER 05: Evan Engram #17 of the Mississippi Rebels runs with the ball as Jessie Liptrot #30 of the Georgia Southern Eagles defends during the first half of a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Pro Football Focus’ Draft Daily will hit on a number of NFL Draft-related topics including recent news, scouting reports, PFF draft takes, and much more on a frequent basis.


Some of the more impressive features of the prospect scouting reports available in the PFF Draft Pass are the target maps, which show exactly where passes were targeted and the result of the pass. These maps offer information about a team’s scheme, player usage, and the strengths and weaknesses of individuals.

The maps can tell different stories for different positions. Quarterback target maps can highlight struggles to throw accurately to all parts of the field, an avoidance of certain areas, or an over-reliance on short passes. Cornerbacks maps can show if they only lined up on one side of the field, if they get beat deep, or exceled at limiting their man to short gains. Receiver maps also show if a player only lined-up on one side of the field, largely focused on a particular route depth, or excelled at catching deep passes.

Former Ole Miss TE Evan Engram: The mismatch player

The receiving map of Mississippi tight end Evan Engram below tells the story of a player who can be used to attack defenses in multiple ways. Engram is larger than defensive backs and faster than linebackers, so he is a player whose skill-set is well-suited to the present state of the NFL, where offensive success is often reliant on finding mismatches in the passing game. Engram’s map shows he has success in the middle of the field as well as on the perimeter. Furthermore, the map shows that Engram is successful at attacking the short, intermediate and deep levels. Engram impressively caught all four targets that traveled over 30 yards so he can make big plays as well.

Evan Engram Target Map

 


Already thinking about the 2018 Draft?

At PFF, we grade every FBS player on every play in every game, so we feel it’s never too early to get started discussing players for the 2018 NFL Draft. Steve Palazzolo has already created his list of the top 25 players returning to college football, which is the place to get a head start on next year’s best prospects.


PFF scouting report

Our analysts continue to churn out scouting reports filled with film analysis thoughts in addition to PFF’s unique performance statistics. One of our latest scouting reports is on Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin, who offers deep-threat ability.


PFF Podcasts

If you haven’t been listening to the PFF family of podcasts already, you’re missing out. Senior Analyst Steve Palazzolo and PFF’s quarterback expert, Zac Robinson, have been discussing individual signal-callers on their quarterback podcast. From a draft perspective, we have brought back our famous PFF shorts podcasts, where we have analysts spend a few minutes digging into only one prospect for the 2017 Draft. These shorts are a great way to get concentrated information on a prospect of interest.

 


From the PFF ‘My Guys’ list

San Diego State LB Calvin Munson is the player that I felt was the biggest combine snub this year. Munson has been playing at a high level for years, can line-up inside or outside and can make plays in all phases of linebacker play.

As a run defender, Munson reads things very quickly and finds the ball well. He has also been productive as a pass-rusher. Munson has the ability to dip around the outside of tackles, and is also an effective blitzer; he tallied five sacks, seven hits, 17 hurries and two batted passes in 2016. Munson has only allowed one touchdown in coverage over the last three seasons, while adding seven interceptions and three pass breakups. Munson will likely be a Day 3 pick, and can contribute to an NFL team.

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