Green Bay Packers: Top 10 fantasy rookie rankings in NFC North
10. Adam Shaheen, TE, Bears
Those who may have had the pleasure of watching this 6-foot-6, 278-pound collegian steamroll defenders as if they were middle school children in their early stages of puberty could appreciate Shaheen’s smooth movement skills and uncommon acceleration in a man this big.
His college highlights are undoubtedly the stuff of legend…that is, of course, until you realize that all of the tight end’s super-heroic exploits were made at the Division II level against opponents that are considerably smaller and slower than anything the NFL has to offer.
Shaheen’s size and natural strength may be enough for him to haul in contested catches as a pro, but the same fakes and hesitation moves he put on his adversaries as a member of the Ashland Eagles won’t be as effective come September unless he works on becoming a more precise route runner.
We will also find out how real his aforementioned burst is against 200-pound-plus defensive backs that can bench 400 pounds and run a 4.4.
There’s no doubt Shaheen will be serviceable in time, but to call him the next Gronk is way premature until we see him consistently beat pro-level athletes on deep seam routes.
For now, one can wisely file him under work in progress.