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New Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay had visions of the past with his very first draft pick.
Many of you have heard it already: rookie TE Gerald Everett is the next Jordan Reed, the tight end who blossomed under McVay as the then-offensive coordinator with Washington. With the Rams’ first overall pick coming in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they decided to trade down for the under-the-radar TE from a small school in the Sun Belt conference.
After one season at UAB, Everett finished his college career at South Alabama where he totaled 90 catches for 1,584 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons. Almost identically the same size as Reed, Everett showed an ability after the catch in college that would make Tavon Austin proud.
Everett will need to adjust to the level of competition and NFL preparation but has a leg up on his rookie tight end peers with TE guru Sean McVay:
Rams rookie TE Gerald Everett had no problem forcing missed tackles during his last season at South Alabama. pic.twitter.com/YRmNBOFFUS
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 20, 2017
South Alabama TE Gerald Everett goes to the Rams with the 44th pick. #NFLDraft
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 29, 2017
Profile: https://t.co/4lxXZ0utD0 pic.twitter.com/RTGTMzpiTp
Roster Battle
Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway enter their second seasons after unproductive rookie years while Cory Harkey returns as one of the longest-tenured Rams on the roster. Everett should have no trouble proving he’s the best pass catcher of this bunch.
There is room enough for both Everett and Higbee in McVay’s offense, but these two should push each other for reps in training camp as the primary. Whoever can prove to be the consistent, all-around TE should enter the season atop the depth chart.
Expectations
The Reed comps are fun and accurate, but Everett is unlikely to have that kind of impact as a rookie. Rookie tight ends are notorious for getting off to slow starts in the NFL even if there is little in the way for Everett to get on the field.
McVay implemented two tight end sets frequently in Washington and was an important aspect of their successful offense. The Rams did not make them their first 2017 draft selection to sit and learn on a team sapped of playmakers.
Chances of Making Final Roster (10/10)
Everett is the Rams’ tight of the future; it’s clear how highly the Rams and McVay think of him. As he adjusts to the NFL, Everett will still have prime opportunity to help a young QB who is also adjusting. McVay will be doing his best to get Everett on the fast track to being his next Jordan Reed.