This May Be The Biggest Sleeper of the 2017 NFL Draft
By Erik Lambert
There are plenty of small school prospects that could be major sleepers this year. None fit that criteria so perfectly like Adam Shaheen.
Every so often a Division II or FCS program will unearth a prospect that probably should’ve ended up playing in the SEC or Big 10. It takes pro teams time to find out about these physical studs, who somehow had slipped through the cracks only to reemerge having dominated their level of competition. There is nothing more exciting than unearthing a potential gem in unexpected placed. Shaheen may be that guy given his impressive attributes at the tight end position going into the 2017 NFL draft.
Former scouts and executive-turned-draft analyst Gil Brandt indicated the stock for Shaheen is growing hotter by the day. Assisted in part by his recent performances at the scouting combine and pro day.
"“Ashland College held its pro day at the local high school and 16 NFL teams were represented, including the Bears, Saints, Steelers, Raiders and Lions, who all sent their tight ends coaches to work out Adam Shaheen, one of the fastest risers in the 2017 NFL Draft.Shaheen (6-6, 278) stood on all of his numbers at the combine, but was put through a brisk workout that had everyone talking. So much so, he left his pro day with private workouts set up with six teams: Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Philadelphia, Dallas and Tennessee.”"
Shaheen has more than enough size for blocking at the NFL level. However, it’s his size-athleticism mixture that has teams so excited. He delivered 867 yards and 16 touchdowns in just 11 games for his school during his final season of college. Of course whether he can accomplish that same feat again non-Division II competition will be the big question mark. Still the odds are growing in his favor.
Shaheen ran a 4.79 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Keep in mind he weighs 280 lbs, so that’s pretty impressive. He also threw up 24 reps on the bench press and delivered a 32.5-inch vertical jump at 6’6″. So not only does he present a wide catch radius for his next quarterback, but he also has enough speed to create separation once he learns how to run proper routes. A scary thought indeed. All that is left is to find the right system and coaching staff who will know how to use him.