Michael

Egnew

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. Egnew’s unlikely to find himself on the fantasy radar as a rookie as the Dolphins revamp their offense.

Egnew led all tight ends at the Combine with a 36-inch vertical, but knew he could do better. The 11-foot, 3-inch broad jump is a sign of lower-body explosion that wasn’t always evident in Egnew’s college games. Egnew is a better athlete than Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker, but like them has zero experience as a blocker. He must be drafted by a team willing to play to his strengths.

Egnew graded out as a top performer in five of seven drills, and measured in at 6'5'’, 252 pounds with an impressive 4.62 forty yard dash. A converted receiver, Egnew projects as a slot tight end at the NFL level but will need to overcome his limitations at the line of scrimmage. He bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times.

Beat writer Ben Volin believes Egnew could be an “immediate threat” in the red zone. A pure pass-catcher with above-average size (6-5, 252) and athleticism, Egnew is working “feverishly” on his blocking and “playing with his hand in the dirt.” With Anthony Fasano and Charles Clay still in the mix, we’re skeptical Egnew will out-shine recent Missouri TEs Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker and be a meaningful contributor as a rookie.

“If you can find me a recent Missouri tight end that’s done well in the pros, let me know,” one NFC scout said. “They’re too one-dimensional.” Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker were recent Missouri tight ends drafted in the early to middle rounds who flamed out quickly. Egnew has a bit better speed than both, but he will struggle to get on the field if he can’t block on the line.

Per columnist/reporter Armando Salguero, Egnew is “just ... there” and has been “unimpressive in camp,” struggling to separate and not flashing enough. The Fins will likely end up relying on Anthony Fasano and H-back Charles Clay as their top two tight ends, while hoping that Egnew “develops” in year one.

Eight rookie picks remain unsigned around the NFL. Egnew, the 78th selection out of Missouri, will likely need to show he can block to get on the football field as a rookie. Past Mizzou tight ends such as Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman have struggled with that coming out of Gary Pinkel’s spread offense.

Coordinator Mike Sherman directed a tirade at Egnew in a team meeting. “Egnew, you were terrible. I would cut you today if I were the GM,” yelled Sherman. “Get your head out of your ass. You’re drafted as a high pick, get your s*** going. It’s not good enough.” Egnew’s pedigree may save his roster spot, but there is a string of game-day inactives in his future this year.

Anthony Fasano is a strong blocker with reliable hands, but he doesn’t offer the RAC ability of H-back Charles Clay or rookie Michael Egnew. Entering the final year of his contract, Fasano could be allowed to walk in 2013. The Palm Beach Post suggests power-running teams such as Tony Sparano’s Jets and Brian Daboll’s Chiefs could show interest in Fasano next year.

The Herald’s Armando Salguero isn’t pulling punches. The 78th overall pick in the draft, Egnew was also told by OC Mike Sherman on Hard Knocks that he’d be “cut today” if Sherman were the Dolphins’ general manager. Egnew may make the team because of his draft status, but he won’t help Miami this season.