2017 NFL Draft Results: Grading The Los Angeles Rams’ Selection Of South Alabama TE Gerald Everett

It was clear the Los Angeles Rams needed to get their young QB Jared Goff some help, and with pick #44, they’ve done just so. It wasn’t anyone really expected, but the Rams selected TE from South Alabama: Gerald Everett.

Here are Everett’s numbers from the combine, which are spectacular, by the way:

People think he’s athletic enough to flex out at WR and give you valuable work at both TE and WR, being how athletic he is. Here’s NFL.com’s strengths for Everett:

Slick athlete with leftover wide receiver traits. Easy acceleration into routes and can blow by safeties who sit down looking for a route break for too long. Good acceleration off of plant foot in route breaks. Can create immediate separation. Carries play speed throughout routes. Cover linebackers are usually in for a rough day vs. Everett, who eats in the middle of the field and shows no fear. Maximizes arm length for wide catch radius. Hands look fairly natural as pass catcher. Adds to totals with yards after catch. Runs physically and with excellent balance. Rips his legs through arm-tackle attempts. Instinctive runner who sets up blocks on bubble screens. Alters stride length to elude diving tackle attempts. Able to work all three levels of the field. Blocks with anger and is prone to longer engagements than most blockers on perimeter. Put on a show, including game-winning touchdown, in upset of Mississippi State on the road.

Grade: B+

The Rams knew they needed help, especially after letting long-time Ram TE Lance Kendricks go. A pairing of Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee really give 2 large reliable weapons for Jared Goff to find over the middle of the field.

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