Rams rookie tight end Gerald Everett isn’t shy about his expectations

Rams coach Sean McVay appreciated his rookie’s confidence but thought it would be best if Gerald Everett saved his predictions until after he played in at least one NFL game.

On Thursday, a day after Everett said that he and Tyler Higbee “could be better than the Redskins’ tight ends,” McVay, the Washington Redskins’ offensive coordinator the last three seasons, touted Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis.

“When you talk about those types of players, those guys are the standard for the position,” McVay said at UC Irvine, where the Rams host training camp. “And you haven’t even played a preseason snap yet, my man.”

Reed caught 203 passes, 17 for touchdowns, the last three seasons. Davis caught 44 passes last season, two for touchdowns.

“We’re very confident in Gerald and I can appreciate his confidence,” McVay said of Everett. “But let me tell you this, if they are better than those guys, we’ll be in good shape this year.”

The Rams, 4-12 last season, selected Everett in the second round of the NFL draft.

He joins a tight end corps that includes veteran Cory Harkey, who has played mostly fullback, and second-year pros Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway.

Higbee was listed as the projected starter on the initial depth chart. Everett, 6 feet 3 and 245 pounds, was mentioned as a key contributor.

“Tyler and I are going to compliment each other,” Everett said. “We are going to be dynamic.”

Higbee caught caught 11 passes last season, one for a touchdown.

“Tyler definitely had a great offseason,” McVay said. “We’ll continue to see if Gerald can progress.”

Everett caught 90 passes in two seasons at South Alabama, 12 for touchdowns.

Veteran players are due to report to camp Friday. Practices begin Saturday.

lindsey.thiry@latimes.com

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