The Chicago Bears have made their second selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, and it’s one that should be helpful to the offense.
We’ve chosen Ashland University TE Adam Shaheen in the 2nd round (#45 overall).
Welcome to Chicago!#NFLDraft #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/eazI5zsgrZ— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 29, 2017
Adam Shaheen is from Div. II Ashland University in Ohio and was Pro Football Focus’ 10th rated tight end. Before the Bears could take Shaheen, each of PFF’s top four tight ends were off the board. As it stands, five tight ends have been chosen in the first 45 picks in the draft.
As for Shaheen, he checks in at 6-foot-6, 278 pounds and should provide a big target (both literally and figuratively) for whichever quarterback lines up under center for the Bears. In 2016, he caught 16 touchdown passes and gained 867 yards of 57 catches. The season before, he caught 70 passes for 803 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Take a moment to check out this highlight package:
The Bears already had a crowded tight end room prior to draft weekend. Zach Miller was a top-10 tight end by PFF’s grading standards in 2016, but ended the season on injured reserve with a serious foot injury. To help add depth to the position, the Bears signed Dion Sims in free agency. And while Sims has room to grow as a pass catcher, he still needs to refine his skills in that area before being considered anything more than an in-line blocker.
Where Shaheeen fits in this group is still to be determined.