The TE dilemma.

[JRobinson]

My fandom started in 2006. It’s crazy to think how long it has already been. At any rate, the Rams drafted another TE for this seasons squad potentially as we know. I am all about having solid tight ends. But, at who’s expense? Does that mean that Johnny boy is gone?

What is even crazier to think is that I believe I have been watching the best TE since 2006 (for us) in Tyler Higbee. No, not Randy McMichael, or Jared cook. I really believe that Higbee has been our best TE since 06’. But was still blows my mind is that I feel like I like Gerald Everett better. Higbee has been more consistent without question, but Everett makes guys miss in open space all the time. Everitt is definitely more athletic, but Higbee has made some big plays as a Ram. I guess I just didn’t expect us to draft another guy at that position. Time will tell. Thoughts?

 

[OldSchool]

My fandom started in 2006. It’s crazy to think how long it has already been. At any rate, the Rams drafted another TE for this seasons squad potentially as we know. I am all about having solid tight ends. But, at who’s expense? Does that mean that Johnny boy is gone?

What is even crazier to think is that I believe I have been watching the best TE since 2006 (for us) in Tyler Higbee. No, not Randy McMichael, or Jared cook. I really believe that Higbee has been our best TE since 06’. But was still blows my mind is that I feel like I like Gerald Everett better. Higbee has been more consistent without question, but Everett makes guys miss in open space all the time. Everitt is definitely more athletic, but Higbee has made some big plays as a Ram. I guess I just didn’t expect us to draft another guy at that position. Time will tell. Thoughts?

Everett is a free agent next year and while he has shown glimpses he's been somewhat injured and really hasn't put it all together. This IMO is insurance if somebody offers him a huge payday next year. We can keep him on the cheap but I'd suspect after this season the TE room changes.

 

[PressureD41]

I think w/ more 12 personnel sets (2-te) we need 4 on game day. I for one hope for some 13 sets

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

We have a lot of guys in contact years and not enough cap to resign them all. We have quality depth behind WR, S, TE, and can now use this season to determine who to prioritize versus not having any insurance for the future. Also, there is usually 1 WR that is hurt or misses time each year, so Jefferson and Hopkins could get playing time as well.

 

[PressureD41]

Brycen Hopkins
PROS: Smooth, fluid route runner that runs and fairly advanced route tree. Easy in and out of horizontal breaks and his vertical cuts are seamless. I like his pace and lean throughout his release and stem. Does well to adjust and find soft spots in zones. Ball tracking skills are impressive, particularly over the shoulder. Makes his share of challenging grabs through contact in contested situations. Gives great effort as an in-line blocker and is deliberate with his technique. Brings the fight as a blocker on the move or when tasked with leading into gaps. Competitive worker after the catch. Outstanding production that improved every year in college.

CONS: Positional blocker that doesn’t have ideal mass or functional strength to truly widen rush lanes inline. Hands fail him and his drop rate is concerning. Struggles to dig out low throws. Needs to become more consistent with his hand alignment when greeting the football on arrival. More of a zone-busting tight end that didn’t find the same degree of success creating separation when working against man coverage.

BEST TRAIT - Route Running

WORST TRAIT - In-Line Blocking

RED FLAGS - None

NFL COMP - Jared Cook

Despite being the son of former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Brad Hopkins who started in the NFL for 13 seasons, Brycen Hopkins didn’t start playing football until he reached high school. Hopkins enjoyed a prolific career at Purdue, racking up 130 receptions for 1,945 yards and 16 touchdowns across four seasons with increased production every year. While his hands must become more consistent, Hopkins profiles nicely as a receiving threat at the next level. His route running skills are advanced and he has excellent ball skills. While he lacks the mass and power to be an impact blocker, Hopkins demonstrates great effort and brings the fight on every rep. Hopkins does have the upside to start in the NFL and at a minimum should be a quality No. 2 option that thrives in 12 personnel sets.

FINAL EVALUATION

 

[Merlin]

I think it's a good question. They may still trade Everette or Hav etc for futures or another position. Offseason moves may not be over yet.

Btw this kid would backup Everette if we keep 4, giving us 2 deep at each role. I would hope teams factors in if that happens, though, where he is carrying his weight.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I really believe that Higbee has been our best TE since 06’. But was still blows my mind is that I feel like I like Gerald Everett better. Higbee has been more consistent without question, but Everett makes guys miss in open space all the time. Everitt is definitely more athletic, but Higbee has made some big plays as a Ram.

This is exactly where my head is with Everett.

I am really excited to see him in 2020.

 

[TexasRam]

I do like that with Hopkins and Jefferson the Rams selected great route runners. Everett has made some huge catches in his time as a Ram, but Higbee has just mastered system. The Premium is on these route running heady technicians and Goff just owns with these types in my opinion. We are at the point with our contracts where like with the Quarantine, if you are not essential, you have to go home. Hopkins appears to be Everett's replacement.

 

[ScotsRam]

Mundt is an ST ace and a great blocker and is as much a lock as Higbee. You need guys like Mundt on the roster. Everett is at risk of being either traded or outright cut in my opinion, unless they keep 4.

 

[kurtfaulk]

.

hopkins won't be doing much of anything this year. how many rookie tes make much of a dent in their rookie season?

.

 

[PhillyRam]

They kept 7 WRs last yr. That is likely not happening this yr.

Rosters expand to 55 this yr so you get 2 extra players somewhere. I assume 4 TEs is a lock.

Also, still could trade a Everett if one of the PS guys looks good like Blanton or Wolfe who fill more of the blocking TE role.

 

[PARAM]

If the plan is really more 12 personnel, then having 4 on the roster is essential. If the 4th is as talented as Hopkins, all the better. If it's a dilemma having too many good TE's, sign me up for that headache.

 

[wolfdogg]

It will be interesting because they probably drafted him hoping he can make their choice in not having to sign Everett to 7 or 8 mil a year an easy one. Howeverr,, in order to do that he will have to get enough opportunities and they'll also have to fix that little problem of him taking his eyes off the ball early.

An Everett contract would put alot of cap into the position so I doubt he and higbee will be teammates in 2121.

If he and higbee both have good years maybe they keep Everett and trade higbee so they can get a draft pick.

 

[fearsomefour]

Keeping four.

 

[Ants]

I'm thinking the Pats could use a TE like Everett.

 

[I like Rams]

I dont see Everett going anywhere, but I've been wrong many times before. He has hands and is physical. Prob best YAC receiver we have on the team. If we see more double TE sets, I'd wanna see Everett and Higs, not a rookie who needs to work on his physicality and strength to create separation and make contested catches.

 

[Rams43]

I think Everett is on a final year crossroads path. Either he has a helluva year or the Rams have prepared themselves to move on due to cap restraints. A ‘pretty good’ year simply won’t do. It’s really that simple.

Other mouths need to be fed by ‘21. Frankly, this appears to be the case for the foreseeable future at almost every position, eventually.

On a talented roster such as the Rams enjoy, there will always be an endless stream of pending high cost UFA’s every year. So, every year there will be tough decisions to make and the various players must really impress in order to even be considered for extension. A law of the jungle thing.

We’re all pulling for Everett, of course, but it’s up to him now.