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Dolphins add TE Michael Egnew with their 2nd 3rd round pick |
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Written by Tony Simmons
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Saturday, 28 April 2012 |
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 The Dolphins add another weapon with the selection of Missouri TE Michael Egnew. He has very good size at 6'5, 260 lbs and very nice speed for a tight end as he ran a 4.61 40. Fits the mold of what the Dolphins are looking for, a TE that can get vertical and stretch the field with good, soft hands. 147 catches during his career at Missouri.
Overview Egnew is an athletic, tall prospect similar to recent NFL successes in that he is somewhat underweight but creates mismatches up and down the field. A converted receiver, Egnew has struggled with traditional tight end responsibilities, such as blocking in-line and being an overall run-game presence. He is athletic for his size and presents a speed mismatch on linebackers and a size mismatch on safeties, which will ultimately define his value in this year's draft. Analysis Strengths Egnew is a converted receiver who understands how to run in-phase and use his athletic ability to separate. The switch to tight end was a blessing for him, considering his ability to separate from linebackers and play more physical than most safeties. He has consistent hands and a large catch radius. He is a threat after the catch and a big target for the quarterback to throw the ball anywhere near him. Weaknesses As a converted receiver, Egnew has struggled blocking defensive linemen. It is tough for him to get a free release off the line when attached to a tackle, and he is much better working off the ball. He can be physically outplayed by some bigger linebackers and could have trouble playing on the line of scrimmage at the next level.
| Production | 3 | "2008: (13/0) -- 4--22--5.5 2009: (13/0) -- 3--25--8.3 2010: (13/13) -- 90--762--8.5-5 2011: (13/13) -- 50-523-10.5-3" | | Height-Weight-Speed | 1 | Possesses very good height in addition to prototypical bulk and length (33-inch arms). Top-end speed is also excellent for size and position. | | Durability | 2 | "Suffered a sprained ankle that required surgery in the spring of 2009. However, has remained durable throughout his final two seasons ending his career with 26 consecutive starts. " | | Intangibles | 2 | Accountable and responsible. Handles his responsibilities both on and off the field. Above-average student and graduated with a Hotel and Restaurant Management degree in just three-and-a-half years. | | | | | 1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal | Separation Skills | 2 | "Above-average athlete and smooth strider. Does not have elite explosiveness as the likes of Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez in his prime, but easily gets in-and-out of stem to create adequate separation. Possesses a natural feel working against zone coverage and does a nice job of locating and getting into soft spots. Limited experience with routes from traditional TE alignment and may need development with getting clean release. " | | Ball Skills | 1 | Natural hands and wide catching radius provides QB with a favorable target. Catches the ball away from frame and plucks the ball naturally on the run. Does a nice job of using frame in tight coverage to shield defenders and make catch. Above-average body control and pull in tough catch outside of strike zone. | | Big Play Ability | 1 | Has the top-end speed to stretch the middle of the field and factor in down the deep seams. Not overly elusive but has enough speed and athleticism to turn a short catch into a big gain if provided with a seam. Athleticism and size makes him a matchup problem in the red zone. | | Competitiveness | 3 | Fearless working the middle of the field. Will secure the ball in traffic. Not much of a blocker but works to sustain blocks downfield. A tough runner that fights for yards after the catch and shows ability to drag defenders for extra yards. | | Blocking | 4 | Rarely lined up as an inline tight end. Will need work adapting to angles and technique as an inline blocker. Also possesses a slender lower half which brings up concerns about his ability to generate movement on defenders at the point of attack. Shows good body control to cover up targets downfield when flexed out. | | | 1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal |
An All American as a junior, Egnew fell off the map as a senior, making 40 fewer receptions (50). He tore up the Combine, however, posting the best numbers of all tight ends in five of seven drills. A converted receiver, Egnew is athletic for his size (6-5, 252), but lacks strength and is a poor blocker. The Dolphins clearly believe he can contribute from the get-go as a pass catcher, but Missouri's spread, pass-heavy offense has produced two high profile tight end busts in recent seasons in Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker.
The Dolphins were looking for a pass-receiving tight end talented enough to get downfield and stretch the seams. Michael Egnew has that talent with natural hands to make the tough catches look easy even in traffic. He has leaping ability and his senior season was deceiving, as he had to deal with subpar quarterback play.
He will have to learn to block and, at 6-51/8 and 252 pounds, he needs to gain mass to compete professionally. He needs to work on his route running, and there’s concern he’s not elusive enough to be a playmaker.
With an ability to work the seams and the slot, the converted receiver could be a sleeper tight end. You don’t draft a tight end who can’t block in a West Coast offense without reason. He should see plenty of playing time, so keep an eye on him during camp and preseason, as he may surprise.
Overview
A basketball and track standout in high school, Egnew didn't immediately make an impact at Missouri. But he leaves Columbia as one of the most accomplished tight ends in program history. He caught 50 passes as a redshirt junior, a steep decline from the 90-catch, five-touchdown season in 2010. Ten years ago, he would've been marked as a slow wide receiver, but the NFL definitely has a place for him in 2012.
Analysis
Positives: Looks and runs like a lanky receiver. High-cut, long and lean frame. Deceptive speed and enough quickness to separate. Capable of tracking passes from many angles. Good sideline awareness, taps quick feet to stay in-bounds. Height helps him snare high throws but he also adjusts to low ones. Plays hard and with awareness, knows where the marker is. Runs with toughness and sheds tacklers in secondary.
Negatives: Deceptively fast but longest reception covered 39 yards at Missouri. Effort blocker who gets in the way more than he mauls. Narrow upper body and needs to add bulk and strength. Runs high and doesn't sink his hips or trace precise routes.
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