Coming into the NFL, second-round pick Gerald Everett joined a Los Angeles Rams team in transition. One year removed from moving to Los Angeles and entering the first year under head coach Sean McVay, the 2017 NFL offseason for the Rams was surrounded in uncertainty, to say the least.
Now, two years later, things have clearly worked out for both the Rams and Everett. Everett has only started two games in his two years with the team, but saw his role increase last year. Despite playing off of the bench, Everett played an important role in the passing game for the Rams during their Super Bowl run.
Now entering his third season, Everett is hoping to continue to improve. During the 2019 offseason, head coach Sean McVay noticed the improvements Everett has been working on, via Clarence Dennis of therams.com:
“I think the game’s slowing down for him,” head coach Sean McVay said this week. “I think with some of the routes that entail some of the decision making things are slowing down for him. He’s playing with some patience, he’s got great aggressive hands where he can step to the football. I think you’re just seeing a guy gain confidence, gain experience.”
Although he did not start last year, he still proved to be quarterback Jared Goff’s favorite tight end target. He was targeted 50 times by Goff, more than starting tight end Tyler Higbee.
Everett said in order to improve he plans on focusing in on the details of the game. That perspective could be what has led McVay to notice that the game seems to have slowed down for Everett. Everett also has attributed a consistent offseason workout to keeping his body game ready.
Using that routine, Everett is planning on becoming a more complete tight end:
“I feel like a better version of myself in reference to last year,” Everett said. “Just older, a little bit wiser on the field, just more of a complete pro. And I feel like I’m a way better blocker than I was last year, so just feeling like an actual tight end now more so than just a receiving tight end.”
While Higbee has been a superior run blocker, improvements on Everett’s front could propel him to the starting role. The Rams will need solid pass options as star running back Todd Gurley might be slowing down due to knee injuries.
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