After trading down earlier in the 2nd round the Chicago Bears select Ashland’s Adam Shaheen with Pick No. 45 in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Adam Shaheen is a physical freak who weighs in at nearly 280 lbs but can still make plays in the passing game. He fills a need for the Chicago Bears who have the oft-injured Zach Miller as their top tight end option.
Shaheen is a major project who will need to adjust to a much higher level of competition. His transition will also include just getting more time playing football. It’s interesting to see the Bears take another big risk this early in the draft.
It’s possible that Chicago’s top two picks don’t make an impact during their rookie seasons. In fact, I have a hard time seeing either Mitch Trubisky or Shaheen seeing much time early in the season.
On a positive note the Bears are building a team that will feature running back with Jordan Howard. Shaheen has the size and raw strength needed to be an asset as a blocker. However, this is just another part of his game that needs time to develop.
There’s pressure in Chicago for the Bears to make a big improvement this year. The picks they made during the draft look more like a team at the beginning of a long rebuilding process. Ryan Pace and company will have a hard time convicting the fans that this team got better for next year.
I’m surprised they didn’t try to trade down again and add some picks after what they gave up to land Trubisky. Or, they have huge a huge need at both the cornerback and safety position. Someone like Florida’s Quincy Wilson would’ve made a ton of sense.
Grade: C+
This pick is about a player with a ton of upside, but again it does little move the needle for the upcoming season.