Gerald Everett Could Be Caleb William's Most Reliable and Surprising Target In 2024

The 2024 NFL Draft is now two weeks away, as it is all but certain that the Chicago Bears will use the first overall selection on USC quarterback Caleb Williams while utilizing the nine overall selection on either a defensive end or wide receiver. If general manager Ryan Poles chooses to take one of the three best wide-receiving prospects available, it will give Chicago's offense one of the most impressive collection of pass-catchers in the league. Although the Bears' offense could feature an elite group of talented players at the skill positions, backup tight end Gerald Everett could make the most difference for Williams in 2024.

Everett Is The Ideal Compliment Tight End For A Rookie Quarterback

Unlike other rookie quarterbacks drafted in the first round by Chicago, Williams, if taken by the Bears, is walking into the best situation ever for a prospect. Even if Poles doesn't select either Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze, a potential starting quarterback for the team will have DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and Everett to throw to. Williams will be working with two 1,000-yard receivers in Moore and Allen, while Kmet has become one of the more productive tight ends in the NFL over the past two seasons.

Due to how talented the wide receiver position could be and with Kmet's presence, Everett's role becomes significant as he could serve as a safety target for Williams if no one is open. Regardless of where a rookie quarterback is selected in the draft, NFL teams always look to give their rookie passer a reliable and safe target to check down to. During free agency, Poles did just that, signing the former starting tight end to give Chicago depth at the position.

Everett has been in the league since 2017 and has been a starting tight end for the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Chargers. During the last four seasons with those three teams, he has compiled at least 40 receptions and over 400 yards each year. Given the surrounding cast, Everett could be a constant open target, especially with William's mobility and ability to throw his receivers open.

If Chicago takes one of the three potential elite wide receivers expected to go in the first ten selections, Everett's role becomes even more vital. Having a reliable check-down target to throw to would reduce the amount of pressure and reliance on a rookie pass-catcher, such as Nabers, Odunze, or Harrison Jr. It would also allow Williams not to feel pressured to continuously target one of his top three receivers and avoid throwing into heavy defensive coverage leading to potential turnovers.

Chicago's new offensive coordinator also will contribute to Everett's role in the offense, as Shane Waldron has a history of working with the tight end. The two were together in Seattle during the 2021 season when Waldron was the team's offensive coordinator. That season, Everett caught 48 passes and had four touchdown receptions.

Jimmy Graham's Role With The Bears A Few Years Ago Provides A Potential Guide For Everett

Almost four years ago, Chicago utilized two tight ends in their offense, but with different roles as Kmet was used consistently, while Jimmy Graham was deployed in specialized situations. Former head coach Matt Nagy made it a point to use Graham, who had been one of the best tight ends in the league for almost a decade, in specialized situations highlighting his best attributes. The plan was successful in 2020 as the former All-Pro tight end caught eight touchdown passes and was a reliable target in red zone and one-on-one situations.

Although Everett is a different type of player compared to Graham, Waldron can still utilize the veteran tight end to highlight his best strengths and give him ideal opportunities to work with Williams. The USC quarterback is a dual threat, as he can effectively run and pass. Williams' ability to move around in the pocket will cause defensive breakdowns, resulting in wide-open passing targets.

Waldron's key object, if the Bears select Williams, is to make sure the rookie doesn't rely on "hero ball" when trying to make significant passing plays by running around in the backfield when not needed. Chicago's offensive coordinator can help his rookie quarterback avoid this by working in designed passing plays with moving pockets, forcing the defense to decide if the signal-caller will scramble or throw the ball, resulting in an open target left unguarded by a linebacker. Everett could be a prominent red zone threat if Waldron chooses to put Williams on the move for certain passing plays.

Ryan Poles has had a solid offseason of overhauling the Bears' offense with free agency signings, trades, and the potential drafting of Williams. Although taking the best quarterback in the draft will be the highlight acquisition, the signing of Everett might be the one move that makes a silent difference throughout the 2024 season for the rookie quarterback's development. Chicago could be in a prime spot to see consistent offensive production because their inexperienced signal-caller has an accomplished tight end to check the ball down to.