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SEC Football: Power Ranking SEC Tight Ends on Mackey Award Watch List

By John Richardson

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a touchdown pass against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) catches a touchdown pass against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Evan Engram, Ole Miss: 30%

If anyone didn’t benefit from the emergence of Chad Kelly last season, it was Evan Engram. Bo Wallace didn’t have the arm to make some of the deep throws and would hit Engram across the middle when he needed a big gain. Chad Kelly had no such problem and didn’t look his way on the deep ball quite as often. Engram still put up 38 receptions for 464 touchdowns and two touchdowns last year, though.  Those number are all similar to his 2014 season, except his yards were way down. If Engram is going to win the award, he’ll have to get more looks on the deep passes with Cody Core and Laquon Treadwell now in the NFL.

O.J. Howard, Alabama 30%

Like Engram, Howard returned for one more year of college football even though he could have been drafted to the NFL. Both believe they can improve their draft stock, and I won’t argue with either.   SEC football is also the place to do it. Howard put up 38 receptions for 602 yards and two touchdowns last season. While those are great numbers, there is a problem: nearly a third of his production came in the post season. While it’s great he shines on the biggest stage, coaches need to see him produce for an entire season. Howard went on a 4 game run last year where his biggest production day was two receptions for 18 yards against LSU. If he can avoid any disaster stretches like that, Howard will be in serious consideration for the award by the end of 2016.

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Between the two favorites, I think Engram has the better chance to win the 2016 Mackey Award. Engram is a big wide receiver and Howard is a freak athlete. Both went to the school that could best utilize their talents. Engram, though, has the benefit of playing with with the best quarterback in all of SEC football.

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