Chicago Bears rookie tight end Adam Shaheen impressing in training camp
Adam Shaheen is turning heads at Chicago Bears training camp. Can Shaheen come in and make an immediate contribution to the Bears offensive attack?
After making a big move for quarterback Mitch Trubisky early in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears immediately got him a big target to work with. Adam Shaheen comes to the NFL as a former college basketball player who dominated on the gridiron at the Division II level the past two seasons.
His ability to translate to the NFL game is a major question mark, but Shaheen’s raw ability and upside is incredibly enticing. So far, so good for the young tight end, as Shaheen really seems to be impressing everybody at Bears camp.
"“He’s a big target,” head coach John Fox said, according to Larry Mayer of Bears.com. “He’s got good body control for a big man. I’ve liked what I’ve seen. We didn’t get to see so much in the offseason obviously without pads. Even his point-of-attack blocking I’ve been impressed with. He’s got soft hands and good body control. If he touches the ball, he’s catching it.”“He has size and ball skills,” tight ends coach Frank Smith told Mayer. “It’s like that kid in high school, that Division I kid who’s 6-6 and everyone else is 5-10. I mean they stick out.”“He looked big on tape, but then he was really big in person too,” Smith said. “The thing that popped out was—like you are seeing in practice—his ability to track the ball and go get it. For a big guy, he’s able to find the ball. You put it near him and he can go get it.”"
Shaheen is clearly impressing his coaches. A big and athletic target who absolutely dominated the Division II level, it is easy to see Shaheen’s upside. His ability to stretch the middle of the field with speed is impressive and he is also an extremely dangerous red zone option. Shaheen goes up and gets the ball extremely well and it is easy to see the Bears using his size to their advantage in the passing game, even during his rookie season.
The coaching staff is not the only ones taking note of Shaheen. His teammates are clearly also impressed. In particular, starting quarterback Mike Glennon is showing an interest.
"“He’s a big target,” Glennon said. “He’s a big man running down the field fast. He does a great job of using his body. He has a tall frame which makes it easy for the quarterback to throw to.”"
Catching the eye of the coaching staff and starting quarterback is a good spot for Shaheen to be in. He is clearly a talented player, but he is a relatively raw talent who may need some time to adapt to the NFL.
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While he is a big and strong man, Shaheen was not asked to block much in college. He has massive upside as a blocking tight end, but his game is not there at the moment. Shaheen simply must improve in that area if he is going to be a threat to start as a rookie.
The Chicago Bears have a capable starting tight end in Zach Miller and Dion Sims is a strong number two with his great blocking ability. However, if he continues to impress in camp, will Shaheen make Miller expendable?
Personally, I think the Bears should be shopping Miller. Even if Shaheen does not prove ready to be a full-time starter, Sims could help take on a larger role if needed. Plus, Daniel Brown showed a lot of receiving upside from the tight end position last season and could certainly take over Miller’s role in a pinch.
If nothing else, trading away Miller would open up opportunities for the Bears to see what they have in Shaheen and Brown. They are not expected to be competitive in 2017 anyway, might as well let the kids get some work.
Adam Shaheen is one of the players who I am most excited to watch for the Chicago Bears this season. He is making his mark at training camp and undoubtedly has the ability to do the same once the preseason games hit.
Next: Predicting the Bears' 53-man roster to start season
Shaheen is an impressive talent who will undoubtedly be a major target for Trubisky in 2018 and beyond. However, he is well on his way to forcing himself into the discussion for being a major weapon for stop-gap quarterback Mike Glennon and the Chicago Bears this season.