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Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama scouting report — 2017 NFL Draft

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 19, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; South Alabama Jaguars tight end Gerald Everett (12) is congratulated by wide receiver Nathan Sassaman (20) and wide receiver D.J. Vinson (8) after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; South Alabama Jaguars tight end Gerald Everett (12) is congratulated by wide receiver Nathan Sassaman (20) and wide receiver D.J. Vinson (8) after scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft: Scouting report and analysis for South Alabama tight end Gerald Everett, one of the best at his position in a deep class…

At a Glance

Gerald Everett is a former high school basketball player who has made a successful transition to the football field and has the look of a star at the next level.

After playing just one season at UAB, the school cut its football program and Everett wound up at South Alabama where he racked up 12 touchdowns in two seasons on 90 total receptions. Catching the eye of NFL scouts, Everett was invited to the Scouting Combine and Senior Bowl this offseason, where he excelled.

Everett absolutely crushed the Combine, ranking in the top five at the tight end position in every major category except the 40-yard dash, where he ran a very respectable 4.62.

Physically and athletically, there’s not many current NFL tight ends that Everett compares to, at least not exactly. He’s built like Derrick Henry and looks like Jordan Reed on the field. Let’s take a look at what he brings to the table…

Strengths

Gerald Everett is a phenomenal threat in the passing game, displaying an ability to win at every level of the field. Everett creates separation with speed and explosiveness, making him a mismatch against linebackers and nickel defensive backs.

My favorite part of Everett’s game is his ability to snatch the ball out of the air with strong hands, despite not having very big hands at all. Everett came up big in clutch situations for South Alabama, including catching a game winning touchdown pass late against Mississippi State in the school’s biggest win in program history.

Everett’s athleticism and size allow him to be moved around the field, whether in-line or split out wide as a receiver. There’s not much he can’t do within an offense because of his ability to win deep down the field, make contested catches over the middle, or make plays after the catch in the short passing game.

One concern I always tend to have with smaller tight ends is whether or not they are tough in the trenches, and that’s not an issue for Everett. Many of these ‘small wide receiver’ types are lacking physicality and ability to shed off tacklers, but Everett is capable both as a blocker and at breaking tackles.

He has long arms and his incredible leaping ability makes him a great asset in the red zone with a broad catch radius.

Areas to Improve/Weaknesses

The only real weakness I could notice in Everett’s game is a lack of great route running skills. He often utilizes natural athletic ability to create separation and will round off routes which can allow defenders to read him a bit easier.

As he continues to grow and develop at the next level, I expect NFL coaches to work with him on his feet and explosiveness in and out of his breaks.

Of course, you also have to note that Everett’s hands are smaller than nine inches. That hasn’t really been an issue for him to this point, but it’s worth noting.

Final Thoughts

Gerald Everett is a possible first round talent that could potentially get taken in the second round, but no later than that. His athletic traits and potential at the next level will make him one of the most coveted players at the tight end position in a deep draft.

For teams that aren’t going to take a tight end in the first round, he can be a great value in the early portion of the second round and a player that can become a huge asset for your passing game.

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