It’s the job of every college coach to give a ringing (and biased) endorsement of players they see get drafted right? Well after watching Brian Kelly give a frank and unflattering opinion of DeShone Kizer, it makes you wonder. None the less Chicago fans aren’t sure what to make of one particular new face in the Bears fold. Is the Adam Shaheen draft steal narrative to be believed or is it mostly just wishful thinking?
Sure his highlights are impressive but one should be realistic. He’s a former basketball standout who did his damage against Division II competition. Why should anybody believe he’ll end up being the same dominant force when he runs into NFL defenders? Well his former college coach at Ashland gives a pretty eye-opening reason.
Lee Owens spoke with Adam Hoge of WGN Radio shortly after his prized tight end was selected by the Bears with the 45th pick overall. Like any good coach he was positive in his support, but then uncorked something that completely changed the picture.
Adam Shaheen draft steal idea gains steam
Understand that Shaheen switched from basketball to football shortly after leaving high school. He actually transferred schools to do it. For him to catch on so fast that he delivered 1,600 yards and 26 touchdowns across his final two years? That’s impressive. Owens though didn’t give the usual platitudes. He gave much more.
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“He’s the real deal. I was blessed, I had a chance to coach a Hall-of-Famer when I was at Ohio State, Orlando Pace. I had a chance to coach a Hall-of-Famer when I was at Akron, Jason Taylor, who is going in this year. I know this is a bold statement and I don’t want to put this on Adam’s shoulders, but he’s that kind of guy. I mean, I think he can be that kind of pro.”
Pace is one of the all-time great left tackles in NFL history. Taylor had 139.5 sacks in his career. For Shaheen to be so willingly placed in that same category is more than surprising. It’s gutsy. It also makes one wonder if the Bears knew exactly what they were doing when they drafted him. GM Ryan Pace is known for doing his homework on draft prospects. One can be assured he knows who the young man is and what he can become.
How bad do you want it?
The early nickname for him is “Baby Gronk.” Indeed Shaheen does reflect many of the same qualities as the New England Patriots superstar. Of course the Bears expect him to carve out his own legacy in the NFL. One thing is for sure. If he’s even close to being that good, then the offense just got a shot in the arm it hasn’t had at the tight end position since Greg Olsen left back in 2011. No doubt still a sore subject for many fans.
Everything about his success though comes down to how bad he wants it. Considering what he’s already put himself through from the sport change to the radical diet alterations, it’s safe to say he’s got the right mind set.
