JACKSONVILLE – Evan Engram is in a good place.
That's true mentally for the Jaguars' new tight end – and he said it's absolutely true physically. A former first-round draft selection, he said he was ready for a change this offseason.
And in Engram's case, change has been very good.
"It's been awesome," Engram said.
Engram, who signed with the Jaguars in March as an unrestricted free agent, recently joined senior writer John Oehser for this edition of the O-Zone Podcast. He discussed multiple topics, including why he opted to sign a one-year deal with the Jaguars rather than a long-term contract.
Engram, the No. 23 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, had always liked how Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson used tight ends when Pederson was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. A chance to flourish in Pederson's system a "huge" reason he signed with the Jaguars.
"It's a bet on myself," he said. "I saw the situation. I saw Doug and the staff he had put together and the history he has had with tight ends. Tight ends like myself have been successful in his system.
"I'm getting to know him more and getting to know is philosophy. I couldn't be any more happy with my decision. It's a great environment."
Another major reason for his decision: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
"Outside looking in, he looked like a true competitor and a leader and a captain last year in Year One," Engram said. "It has been awesome to get to know him and see his leadership qualities. No matter what everybody's looking to him. I have nothing but great things to say about him so far."
Engram, who caught 262 passes from 2,828 yards and 16 touchdowns in five seasons with the Giants, also on the Podcast discussed needing a change. He called his adjustment from New York to Jacksonville a "wild" one – and a positive one, too.
"The building, the coaching staff, the locker room, the players … it's amazing," he said. "It's been a smooth and fun transition and very motivating. I'm enjoying my time here.
"We're getting in a lot of work. A lot of guys are motivated. That's really refreshing to be around. It's helping me to better my craft each and every day as well."
View the entire O-Zone Podcast with Engram below. To view more O-Zone Podcast episodes, click HERE.
