Gerald Everett hopes to grow into an impact player in 2018

Tight ends usually struggle in their rookie seasons. That was definitely the case for Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end Gerald Everett.

Everett started off the year with a bang: He caught all four of his targets for 134 yards the first two games of the season. Things completely changed in Week 3, however. The second-round pick failed to receive a target in the win over the San Francisco 49ers, and Everett never rebounded after that game — he only had 50 yards in one other game his rookie year.

Everett finished the season with 16 catches on 32 targets for 244 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one rush last season for 13 yards. For the most part, Everett took a backseat to fellow TE Tyler Higbee in 2017, but he did edge out Higbee by one touchdown.

Everett will have to fight to get looks in a crowded Rams receiving corps next season. The 44th overall pick was barely noticed by quarterback Jared Goff this season, so it could be hard for Everett to get out of the shadow of Higbee again in 2018. Higbee had 13 more targets and nine more receptions than the firs- year big man last season. Everett has to build a lot more chemistry with Goff in the offseason if he plans to get better in his sophomore year.

Everett will not be a popular pick in 2018. He burned a lot of owners last season, but he still has a lot of promise. The Rams’ passing game is likely to improve next season as everyone gets more comfortable with their roles. Everett was edged out by Higbee, but not by much — he will be a waiver wire player to watch in 2018.