What Everett has shown is that he has very god hans and is a brutal RAC runner. Everett's also twice the athlete that Higbee is and apparently, from PFF graded out to be a better blocker last year as that was his weak link. If that was so, I don't understand why Mcvay used Everett on passing downs and Higbee on running downs so blatantly...that's quite an obvious Tell for a defense. I would think there's still some work for Everett to clean up if McVay still didn't start Everett over Higbee....maybe mental aspects of not reading defenses or sight adjusts? Idunno.
However, when everett was catching the ball...he was a beast with very strong hands and a violent runner. I do not know why more TE passes were not in the middle or seam routes cuz I agree those are hard to defend and usually easy throws for QBs. Again, I don't know enough about how McVay feels about Everett's growth in that respect and maybe trusted Higbee more.
Perhaps, Everett starts this year and has learned what McVay wants from him and McVay will call more route combos that utilize the TE in the middle of the field or seam routes which I just love(personally speaking)Everett doesn't drop many balls from what I remember...and he is a big target - almost like a large WR. I do agree with you that I'd send TEs down the seam waaay more often and off PA passes or 12 groupings. Also, quik slants for WRs could be used a bit more when a blitz is coming. Anyway, I think Everett has grown and will start this year...we may draft a late round TE or sign a FA...but I don't see drafting a new TE at #31 unless McVay really changes and leads with 12 sets vs his usual 11 sets next year.
"L'audace, l'audace. Toujours l'audace!"