Chicago Bears: Five bold predictions for the 2017 season
4. Rookie tight end Adam Shaheen will become an immediate passing game weapon
The Chicago Bears traded down in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, snagging tight end Adam Shaheen with the 45th overall pick. Shaheen is one of the most interesting players in the entire 2017 NFL rookie class and I expect him to be a major contributor for the Bears.
Shaheen joins the NFL from Division II program Ashland University. He is a former college basketball player who dominated on the football field for Ashland last season. In 11 games in 2016, Shaheen piled up 57 receptions for 867 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had 26 touchdowns in two seasons as the Ashland starting tight end and decided to enter the draft instead of going back.
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Coming from the D2 level, Shaheen is certainly a bit of an unknown. However, you do not have to watch much of him to come away impressed. He is a massive man, coming in at 6-foot-6, 278 pounds. Shaheen has great size for the tight end position, but he also shows good speed and athleticism.
Shaheen is a guy who can stretch the middle of the field and create yardage after the catch. His great size and ability to go up and catch the ball also make him a particularly effective option in the red zone.
Making the jump from the D2 level to the NFL will not be easy. However, Shaheen is an impressive receiving threat from the tight end position who can make an immediate impact. You simply cannot teach his size and combination of skills.
The Chicago Bears did a nice job of targeting Shaheen as an undervalued asset in the draft and I expect him to show off his skills as a rookie. His playing time may be limited early in the season, but expect Shaheen to be an important part of the offense as the year goes along.