Jacksonville’s regular season is just over a week away from commencement. The team spent a decent chunk of the past week cutting their roster down from 90 to 53 players and constructing the 17-man practice squad.
Last week marked the final preseason game for roster bubble players to make their case to be on the gameday roster. While the game offered plenty of standouts, it also provided a glimpse at a player who is one of the most important skill players on the team.
Tight end Evan Engram put up career-high numbers with 114 receptions and 963 receiving yards with the Jaguars in 2023.
Yet, it seemed it was not utilized in the way many have hoped since he was selected in the top 15 picks of the 2016 NFL Draft, as he averaged a career-low 8.4 yards per reception.
But it looks like new offensive coordinator Press Taylor has found a way to use Engram.
There were whispers during training camp of Engram taking on new roles this season, and it appears they are coming to fruition.
Not necessarily by shifting to an in-line focus, considering Engram spent roughly one snap there for every two in the slot or out wide in 2023, but as an even greater alignment-versatile player who could be a Swiss army knife for the Jaguars’ offense moving forward.
Working on a film review on Evan Engram’s potential role in the #Jaguars offense this season.
I’m intrigued by his usage at fullback with Luke Farrell playing in-line. pic.twitter.com/XD7CshXlAL
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) August 25, 2024
Last Friday night showed what could be expected from the former All-American standout.
The clips above show Engram lined up as a fullback with Luke Farrell as the in-line “Y” in this offset strong I-formation during the first two plays for Jacksonville’s offense. The former can be seen making blocks at the second level and slowing down the backside defender on the respective reps.
In the two offensive series he played, Engram lined up almost everywhere. Along with the first two plays at fullback, he saw snaps as an H-back and motioned to create Bunch and Trips looks out of shotgun and single-back formations.
Engram also played in the Z alignment off the line of scrimmage, as the in-line Y and in the slot. When the Jaguars approached or entered the red zone, Engram became the offense’s focal point.
The former Ole Miss standout caught two touchdown passes from star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Both of them were well-thrown, accurate passes.
Yet, Engram’s prowess as a receiver stood out. That is his superpower.
The Jaguars are not going to succeed offensively if they keep him as an in-line-only player and restrict him. Engram is most dangerous when in space and playing one-on-one against slot cornerbacks and safeties in the red zone.
Evan Engram with a nice sell of the fade to force hip commit from the cornerback. Swims back inside and displays nice concentration for the TD catch, his first of two of this game. #Jaguars pic.twitter.com/Hnk98eaQdQ
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) August 26, 2024
Here, the Jaguars run a spacing concept out of a bunch set with Engram running a seam route as the Y on the weak side of the formation.
He baits the cornerback into committing his hips to the boundary, allowing him to swim over the defender and work back inside. Lawrence makes a fantastic throw between two defenders as Engram displays excellent concentration to secure the grab for six points.
Engram’s usage in this offense already seems different than in years past. He appears less restricted by his alignment and more loose moving around the formation.
His ability to threaten defenses from any alignment makes the Jaguars offense much more dangerous. That will be key, especially with the development and progression of first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jaguars are entering a crucial season in a year where the AFC looks as stacked as ever and the AFC South is on the rise. Engram will be an integral part of the offense in more ways than one and his two lone drives in the final preseason game provide a sneak peak of what is to come.