Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with South Alabama TE Gerald Everett
The recent signings of Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks have not only filled – and dare I say strengthened – a potential offensive hole that former Packer Jared Cook’s departure may have caused, but it also relegates tight end from a major area of need headed into the late-April draft to a position that probably won’t be addressed until the seventh round or during the Saturday night afterparty where teams begin signing all the remaining undrafted rookie free agents.
However, the often-unpredictable Ted Thompson is currently set to go into the draft weekend with nine picks in his pocket and might just spend one or two on the best players on the board at positions that aren’t in dire need of a talent infusion.
Should that be the case, the 13th-year GM may decide to make a Day-2 splash by injecting an already formidable passing attack with an explosive tight end whose versatility and potential as a vertical threat could serve as the type of lethal weapon that could render defenses even more helpless in their efforts to contain Aaron Rodgers.
That added shot of firepower could come in the form of a well-traveled tight end that has bounced around three different schools, but is now looking for a place to plant his roots in hopes of finding that one organization he can start and finish a long pro career with uninterrupted.
Atlanta, Ga., native Gerald Everett is a fascinating case of a naturally-gifted multi-sport athlete that after only one year of high school football decided to start from scratch in an attempt to master all the nuances of his new game by enrolling at the off-the-beaten-path Hutchinson Community College.
The former Columbia High School shooting guard’s single-minded focus to take full advantage of the coaching he was provided with along with his commitment to constantly give honest appraisals of himself during film study allowed Everett to make a rapid ascent as one of the nation’s most dangerous tight ends that very few heard of prior to the college football offseason.
Three years split between UAB’s now-defunct football program and South Alabama saw the 6-foot-3, 240-pound collegian develop into an offensive centerpiece who used his instant acceleration to separate from defenders at all three levels of the field.
Just as impressive was Everett’s brute force with which he ripped through tackles making him the type of player that was too dynamic for linebackers and too physical for defensive backs.
The 21-year-old was particularly effective in the slot where he specialized in sitting between defenders and coming down with contested catches with the help of his 33-inch arms and ability to highpoint the ball.
Though he may still be a bit rough around the edges as a blocker, Everett does the possess the hand skills and technique to sustain many of his blocks, an uncommon trait among most tight ends making the jump to the next level.
The one-time track and field runner showed well in the Senior Bowl and registered strong combine numbers in Indianapolis, although the future rookie was less than pleased with both his 40 time and vertical when the subject was broached during his recent interview with LombardiAve.com.
What stood out in the conversation was Everett’s methodical work ethic to constantly sharpen his skills. While this tantalizing prospect knows his worth, he is cognizant of the fact that success won’t be waiting for him in a neatly-wrapped department store gift package.
The former Sun Belt conference standout has put his collegiate achievements behind him and is determined to fulfill his personal high standards in order to one day be spoken of in the same breath as the all-time greats at his position.
The reflective young man shared his thoughts with me as he prepares for his April 4 pro day.
Turn the page and read what this young man is all about …