Gary in Connecticut: I really think tight end will be one of the team's most important positions. Production in both the run game and the passing game is the key for the offense to stay balanced and help Daniel Jones have a great season. If Evan Engram, who has a world of talent but a long injury history, gets hurt, who else on the 2020 roster can fill in for him?
John Schmeelk: I agree that tight end will be an important part of the Giants' offense. When Jason Garrett was in Dallas, they used two tight end sets frequently. Jason Witten went 15 straight seasons with no fewer than 63 receptions and was considered one of the league's better blockers at his position early in his career. The Cowboys favored players who could catch and block at the position.
Engram could be in for a career year in this offense if he can stay healthy. If necessary, the Giants have many choices to replace him, but none will offer the physical ability or athleticism of Engram. There aren't many people who can play tight end and run a 4.4 in the 40, so it won't be a simple matter of plugging someone in who is able to do everything Engram does as a vertical receiving threat.
Even though he is young, Kaden Smith will probably be Engram's primary backup. He can be an effective blocker and competent receiver even if he doesn't have the explosiveness of Engram. Last season, he caught 31 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns in nine games (six starts).
Levine Toilolo and Eric Tomlinson have the size to be excellent situational blockers. Garrett Dickerson is a wildcard. He is entering his third season and has spent time bouncing between the practice squad and the active roster. He might have the best raw receiving skills of the group after Engram and Smith. Rookies Rysen John, who is a converted wide receiver, and Kyle Markway will also have a chance to earn backup roles.
Dwain in Washington: I think Evan Engram should be a wide receiver. He has the speed and his height would give him an advantage with the jump ball. It would also allow a better blocking tight end to start in his place.
John Schmeelk: I've answered this before, but it still shows up frequently in the mailbag. Engram is a mismatch nightmare for linebackers and even some safeties as a tight end. Those types of matchups, if set up correctly, can dictate what coverages defenses play to avoid big plays.
If Engram plays wide receiver, he is just another player at the position who can run a 4.4. There are plenty of players with that kind of speed at wide receiver, but few at tight end. He might still have a height advantage outside, but the other advantages he has at tight end to create separation would be gone. He is a much more valuable weapon as a tight end.
Edwin in Florida: Do you agree that Evan Engram MUST make a major contribution and stay healthy this year or he'll be gone next year?
John Schmeelk: The Giants recently picked up Engram’s fifth-year option, so they control his rights through the 2021 season.
Photos of Giants tight end Evan Engram.
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a catch during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a week 3 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, fends off Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Lavonte David during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) blocks during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a catch during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a week 3 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 in Landover, Md. The Giants defeated Washington 23-20 (Amanda Bowen via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs with the ball during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) leaps for a pass during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown after catching a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a week 3 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives and reaches for the pylon against Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) carries the ball as Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams, left, and linebacker K.J. Wright (50) move to tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action during the NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception during the second half of NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) blocks during an NFL game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, MD. The Giants defeated Washington 23-20. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) rushes against Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Lavonte David (54) after completing a pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes and run during a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday Dec.13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (33) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (80) runs after the catch in front of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Alex Singleton (49) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 22-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) attempts to break away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Evan Engram (88)
Evan Engram (88)
Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (56) tackles New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) as he makes a catch during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) break away from Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) completes a pass against Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds (34) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) reaches for the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram is pursued by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram in action against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Larry Maurer)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) reaches for an 18-yard touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) stretches for yardage as Detroit Lions defensive back Tavon Wilson tackles him during the first half of an NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives across the goal line to score a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Redskins won 20-13. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) reaches for yardage after a catch as Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (21) makes the tackle during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
TE Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram runs with the ball after a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Michael Owens)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, leaps over Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Brent Grimes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch in front of Dallas Cowboys defensive back Kavon Frazier (35) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrate a touchdown during a week 17 NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday December 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) rolls into the end zone with a touchdown reception during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. The Lions defeated the Giants 31-26. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. (NFL Photos via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 35-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) reacts with tight end Evan Engram (88) after Wayne Gallman scored a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) dives for the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 35-17. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) and tight end Evan Engram watch as Daniel Jones (8) throws his first career touchdown pass during a preseason week 1 game on Friday August 8, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a touchdown catch during a NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) and tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrate a touchdown catch by Engram in the first half of a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) celebrates a touchdown catch during a NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives across the goal line to score a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Redskins won 20-13. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, celebrates his touchdown with Bennie Fowler during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) reaches for an 18-yard touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch in front of Dallas Cowboys defensive back Kavon Frazier (35) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, left, celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Will Hernandez (71) during the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) catches a touchdown pass over Los Angeles Rams defensive back Dominique Hatfield (36) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram celebrates his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Evan Engram (88) catches a pass for a touchdown while defended by Los Angeles Rams' Dominique Hatfield (36) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram, left, celebrates his touchdown with teammate quarterback Eli Manning during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
TE Evan Engram (88) at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
TE Evan Engram (88)
TE Evan Engram (88)
TE Evan Engram (88)
TE Evan Engram (88)
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
a boogie wit da hoodie performs at New York Giants Fantennial Kickoff Party
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during a regular season week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James in Tampa, FL.
New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley & TE Evan Engram during week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants TE Evan Engram during week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) talks to his team mates before a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley (26) & TE Evan Engram (88) during week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) during week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
New York Giants OTA #1 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) leaps for a pass in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
New York Giants Media Day Photography Shoot.
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