Small School Tight End Intrigue
March 27th, 2017
Interest.
Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht has embraced small school players.
After all, we are talking about a guy who traded up to draft a Division-III offensive lineman.
So it raised Joe’s eyebrow a bit when reading, via the Twitter of Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, that the Bucs worked out small school star tight end Adam Shaheen.
Coming from Division-II Ashland, Joe can promise you Joe knows little of this guy. Joe may be a football freak but regularly watching a Division-II school from Ohio isn’t on Joe’s radar.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network speaks highly of him, Joe recalls, and Joe respects Jeremiah a lot, so there’s that.
The interesting thing about this Shaheen is that he was a basketball player in college before he decided to transfer to Ashland and play football. There’s a decent track record of former basketball players being good tight ends in the NFL.
Shaheen has simply overpowered Division-II opponents, which you would hope for from an NFL prospect. It appears Shaheen is a work in progress, understandably. He has the physical skills (he’s a rock solid 6-6, 278 pounds) but needs to be polished.
For the crowd that for whatever reason is not satisfied with Cam Brate, who led the NFL in touchdown catches for a tight end last year (a concept Joe simply cannot wrap his head around), Shaheen might be an interesting value pick in the third round.
March 27th, 2017 at 7:12 am
Joe, haven’t seen anyone on this site express dissatisfaction with Brate. I think most recognize there appears to be a deep talent pool for TE’s in this draft and the idea of having two young talented players at that position is intriguing. Kind of like wanting another WR is not an indictment of Mike Evans.
March 27th, 2017 at 7:17 am
I don’t think Joe realizes that many teams (good ones at that) run two tight end sets. Just because we would be happy to have Njoku or Howard does not mean we don’t like Brate. This is getting a little ridiculous…
March 27th, 2017 at 7:17 am
I’, all in for having two studs at tight end like back in 2002. We had Ken Dilger and Rickey Dudley. Winston and Koetter will have us on top of the NFL.
Go Light keep finding those diamonds in the rough!
Fire them cannons!!!!
Go Bucs!!!
March 27th, 2017 at 7:26 am
Joe is right. Why waste a draft pick on a TE? We already have Brate and Stocker. The Bucs don’t need depth or improvement at TE. Then the 2017 TE group would be the 2016 version of the WR group: ME and his band of unknowns. We all saw how that turned out!
March 27th, 2017 at 7:45 am
A-MEN Brothers !
March 27th, 2017 at 7:49 am
It looks like a grown man playing against peewee league players! Lol
March 27th, 2017 at 7:52 am
Joe its not that cam brate isnt good he just cant block for tye heck hum. He may be one of if not the best receiving te in the leage
March 27th, 2017 at 7:54 am
I am a big fan of Brate, but we have nothing after him.
I’m pretty sure our number 2 TE can not break 6 seconds in the 40.
March 27th, 2017 at 7:55 am
*The
March 27th, 2017 at 7:59 am
What is this guys 40 time?
March 27th, 2017 at 8:07 am
he is a 4.7 guy but he is also 6’6″ and 278
March 27th, 2017 at 8:09 am
#19
Simulcam: Engram vs. Hopkins vs. Green
http://www.nfl.com/videos/simulcam/0ap3000000790107/Simulcam-Engram-vs-Hopkins-vs-Green
Simulcam compares Mississippi tight end Evan Engram with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green and Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in the 40-yard dash.
Can you Image how many different way Koetter – can use this kid in the offense?
March 27th, 2017 at 8:13 am
….and what happens if Brate goes down?
March 27th, 2017 at 8:22 am
Think about this for a moment …
… WTF would your coverage plan vs. Evan Engram
Remember outside of his speed – he can has the complete route tree in his arsenal.
Lol, so are gonna do…put a 5’9 |180 pound slot corner on’em
Or better yet a slow/stiff safety?
Like Jordan Reed – this kid is a match-up nightmare
March 27th, 2017 at 8:23 am
*WTF would be your coverage plan vs. Evan Engram
Remember outside of his speed – he has the complete route tree in his arsenal.
March 27th, 2017 at 8:32 am
Mike Evans
-Evan Engram
-Cameron Brate
DeSean Jackson
On the field at the same time- smh
Yep – Good Luck with that
March 27th, 2017 at 8:32 am
This kids a moose…how do you cover him, as a former basketball player he has hands …..and as a junior he is still growing. A true Baby Hewey if there ever was one …..the dB’s fall off him like swatting flies…interesting prospect if he can block..
March 27th, 2017 at 8:36 am
Adam Shaheen = Levine Toilolo
March 27th, 2017 at 8:42 am
Peep game on how Washington uses Jordan Reed
#77: Jordan Reed (TE, Redskins) | Top 100 NFL Players of 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTmJdWfIM2g
March 27th, 2017 at 8:48 am
LOL I hope all this we don’t want Brate didn’t start with me saying a couple months back, that Brate is a product of JW. That JW loves his TE’s and can you imagine if he had a REAL stud TE?
If that’s the case Joe. I take it back.
March 27th, 2017 at 8:57 am
Looks really good against my son’s PAL squad. If he falls to us at 19 don’t hesitate because after all, “trust in Licht”!!!
Amirite?
March 27th, 2017 at 8:57 am
Lol, been begging for a 2nd tightend for awhile now
August 29th, 2016 at 7:46 am ←
Trade for TE Gary Barnidge!!
Cleveland Browns New GM Sashi Brown – has repeatedly stated that EVERYONE – is available at the right price. I wonder if Jason Licht spoke to him about the availability of TE Gary Barnidge (31 yrs old). With a complete reboot on the menu – Its sad to see such a talented player wasted – on a bottom of the barrel team. An since everyone knows that – Cleveland’s already on clock.
Why wouldn’t they entertain such a offer.
Spec’s
TE Gary Barnidge (Age: 30-342days)
Height: 6’ 6″| 247
REC: 79 | YDS: 1,043 | AVG: 13.2 | TDs: 9
March 27th, 2017 at 9:06 am
lol LUV so it’s your fault then.
You were first. Everyone blame LUV.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:10 am
lol
March 27th, 2017 at 9:21 am
Not good news for the OJ Howard crowd
March 27th, 2017 at 9:25 am
I think it’s funny Joe actually believes people don’t like brate or discredit him. I also think it’s funny that people have to explain why they want another TE. It seems like common sense to me. Brate CANNOT BLOCK. He is a very very good receiving te but we need someone that can block. Stocker can but he’s getting older and he’s injured a lot.
I’m getting more and more accustomed to the fact that we will most likely draft one in round 1. Either OJ or Njoku. ASJ was supposed to be a huge cog to this offense as evidenced in week 1 of last year and he couldn’t stop pregaming for practice. Let us all down.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:27 am
I think it’s becoming more and more evident that we are picking up a TE in the draft. ASJ was supposed to be our guy and let us down.
I also think it’s funny that people actually have to debate picking one up with Brate. The guy can’t block. Period. He’s an awesome receiving te though.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:37 am
SB its been bad news for us O.J. fans since he blazed that 4.51 40. He is gonna be an early pick.
Funnily enough we have interviewed Njoku & Howard as well but didnt see Joe write an article about that.
And i’ve posted the Jason Licht quote saying that just because you draft a tight end high, that doesn’t mean you don’t like your starter. But he continues to ignore that too.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:44 am
I am almost certain we go TE in round 1. Unless Cook, Davis, or Williams are available. Even if they are I think OJ is our #1 target. Then Njoku. It’s obvious Jamies is obsessed with tight ends. ASJ was supposed to be that guy. He just couldn’t stop pregaming for practice.
I also think it’s funny that Joe and others think that if we want to draft a TE we don’t like Brate as much. Brate can’t block. That’s the only issue. Stocker can but he’s always injured and old. A dominant TE would be a game changer. Brate is still one of the best receiving tight ends in the league but we need someone who is multi dimensional.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:47 am
They’ve got to get another TE in here.
Joe, are you satisfied with Stocker, and Myers as the backups? They bring almost nothing to the table. If Brate goes down, the Bucs are screwed at TE.
If Shaheen is there in the second round I say go for it. You can’t have too many weapons for Jameis. The addition of DJax is not enough.
Go Bucs!!!
March 27th, 2017 at 9:50 am
Rd. 1 – John Ross (please god!) or Mike Williams
Rd. 2 – Sheehan or Safety
Rd. 3 – D’Onta Foreman or Perine
Rd. 4 – DE, S or TE
March 27th, 2017 at 10:04 am
We saw how the Bucs performed after Brate went down with injury. Two tight end sets are an option as well.
March 27th, 2017 at 10:07 am
Enough with the dont like Cameron Brate Nonsense!!!!
This from the “Tampa Bay Times” 9/2/2016, Greg Auman
“The Bucs will use many two-tight-end sets, keeping as many tight ends as receivers. ”
It has been discussed in many Forums- That Jameis And Coach Koetter both love working out of a 2 TE set. We have one Great TE. As you mentioned, He led the NFL iN TDs by TEs. Excellent! That shows you that, not only is Brate an outstanding athlete, But that Jameis loves Targeting the TE!
What Jameis wants,We damn well better give him!
If he Likes two Tight end sets- then Lets give him TWO good TEs. Brate is great.
Lets give him another TE that is a legimate threat.
Last year- it was disguting , the lack of weapons he had at the end of the season.
If that happens again- a bunch of “staff”should be getting their ass fired!!!
We wasted The best DT in the leagues best years, by being stupid- and not getting him any help( and new DC every damn year).
We better not be that stupid again!! Surround these guy with talent- and he’ll win us a Superbowl.
Its year 3. Why are we still discussing getting Jameis Weapon??
That should have been done by now!!
Team. needs to get off its arse!! Bith in this draft, and the second wave of free agency.
Its already starting to piss me off
March 27th, 2017 at 10:15 am
If Joe doesn’t think the Bucs are drafting a TE in the first four rounds, then Joe doesn’t know the Bucs.
They’ve had visits from several players at the TE position who are expected to be drafted between rounds 1-4. They don’t waste visits to create smokescreens. The interest is serious. Period.
March 27th, 2017 at 10:42 am
DL/OL in the 1st and 2nd round if the value is there. Then S, TE, WR, RB, CB in the next half of the draft.
March 27th, 2017 at 11:01 am
Where those madden highlights or real life? The kid got wheels and bowls over tacklers. I think I just got a chubby!
March 27th, 2017 at 11:12 am
SB.. Howard will be long gone at 19. He’s projecting as a top 10 pick now. I wish Sheehan would’ve been invited to the Senior Bowl. Thats what made Marpet less of a gamble. Watching him matchup with true professional prospects was a big advantage for him and us. This kid might be able to, but he looks like he’s playing against small high schools.
March 27th, 2017 at 11:13 am
Joe:
I didn’t realize anyone knew this kid but if you look yesterday on your article about zay jones this TE was on my 7 round mock draft . He is huge and fast and catch . He has that Gronk attitude on and off the field. The kid would be a nightmare in the 2 TE set with Brate.
March 27th, 2017 at 11:18 am
@Joe
I’ve never seen someone posting a comment here that stated Cameron Brate Sucks or isn’t good enough. WE GET IT ALREADY, Brate “led the NFL in TD’s last season,” SO WHAT!? Why the hell is it alright to except the reasoning, “can never have to many playmakers,” at every other position, except at TE?
March 27th, 2017 at 11:22 am
@Joe
I believe you’ve stated, why would you want to draft a TE that would take away touches and potential TD’s from Brate? Do you not realize how absurd that line of reasoning is? Hey, Rich Mckay, don’t you go and sign that Simeon Rice guy, He’ll take away sacks from Sapp smh…Do you GET IT Yet?
March 27th, 2017 at 11:28 am
Drafting a TE doesn’t mean they’re replacing Brate at all.. just think about went Brate went down with the back injury last year our TE position had no passing game impact. TE is deep with freak athlete flex guys this year, I wouldn’t be shocked if we grab one.
March 27th, 2017 at 11:32 am
MORE weapons please!
He looks like he’s playing pee-wee league players! And, he’s “jawin'” with them to boot!!!
March 27th, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Nobody dislikes Brate, but it would be nice if we had a decent alternative if Brate gets injured.
March 27th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Eliot you really want them to use the first pick in the draft on a #3 WR? I would much prefer they use that pick on a guy that will contribute in a big way starting day 1.
March 27th, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Lol everyone went in on Joe for this thread.
I highly agree too. Brate is awesome. Great player and love to have him but we need a blocker at TE. It would help the OL immediately.
Still don’t get your logic about this one joe.
March 27th, 2017 at 3:12 pm
We need a good complement to Brate who can come in and give us quality play if Brate goes down.
I see this guy as a lat round pick or a undrafted rookie. Also, how deep is this years tight end mob in the draft?
March 27th, 2017 at 3:18 pm
I like this muthaf@$!a.. That basketball background..
March 27th, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Shaheen does look like quite the promising prospect. This TE class is as deep with talent as I can ever remember. Same with Safety. We need one of each to go along with WR and RB in the 1st 4 rounds.
1. Njoku
2. Budda Baker (trade up)
3. Josh Reynolds
4. Kareem Hunt
———————–
1. McCaffrey
2. Zay Jones
3. Shaheen (TE – D2)
4. Rudy Ford (S- Auburn)
———————-
1. Melifonwu (Trade down)
2. Chris Godwin (WR Penn State) (Trade down)
3. Evan Engram (TE Ole Miss) (Trade up)
4. Mixon/ Perine / Mack
March 27th, 2017 at 3:31 pm
This guy looks like he has a whole lotta nasty in him. Can he block though? would be a good project as a 7th or FA. Would love Engram. Let another team make a Njoku mistake. Go RB (if the right one is there) or O-Line in first.
March 27th, 2017 at 4:43 pm
Don’t worry Joe, I understand your perspective on the TE situation lol
March 27th, 2017 at 5:27 pm
The man said”this team will be built in the mode of the NE pats” I guess this would be his version of Gronk. Only thing is this guy dwarfs Gronk. Matchup nightmare. I hope they pull the trigger.
March 27th, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Gronk is 6-6 265. Wouldn’t say Shaheen dwarfs him lol
CBS Sports rankings has a 2nd round projection on Shaheen. That is a little too rich for me for someone as raw as Shaheen is. Maybe if he falls to the 4th round I would take him to develop, but Idk how likely that is too happen.
March 27th, 2017 at 9:24 pm
My dear Lord. 6″6′ 278 lbs!! Waa haa haa, please just take my milk money and go. Did I see most TDs by TE in all NCAA? Most TDs by TE sounds kinda familiar for some odd reason?… If he can block (former big basketball players usually can), Bucs need to jump on this kid like no tomorrow.
March 27th, 2017 at 10:30 pm
The knock on Jimmy Graham, who is 6’7 265 and the player this guy surely resembles, is after seven years in the NFL he still can’t or won’t block. I’m pretty sure its the latter.
However if this guy is ready to put his hard hot on and go to work, he does look good in his highlight reel just like every other player does.
He does seem to have a good set of wheels, outrunning some DBS on a couple of plays and looks fluid catching and running with the ball after the catch. Also showed good ball control.
It appear like he also has an attitude. After every tackle he looked like he was getting up and ready to fight someone, Unfortunately that reminded me of K2 who was a big prima donna.
March 28th, 2017 at 5:30 am
Only go TE in the first if OJ Howard is there which is a longshot. WR John Ross, WR Cory Davis, RB Dalvin Cook or RB Christian McCaffery will be our first round pick. Safety or Cornerback in the second. Somehow Licht should move up in the second for Safety Obi Melifonwu. His potential is unreal. His measureables compared to Julio Jones and Obi is 6-4, 224. He ran a 4.4 40 dash. Best at combine for 40, vertical and broad jump. I like the size of Shaheen and his up side.
March 28th, 2017 at 8:13 am
we definetley have a need for another tight end we say that when cam went down and we had fn brandon myers running routes out there it made me wanna puke we already got 1 receiving specialist in brate we got a blocker in stocker and were gonna get another pass catcher in the draft most likely in the 3-5 rounds
March 28th, 2017 at 9:12 am
If one of the big 3 QB’s are there at 19. We take him. He can backup this year. Then we trade him for a top 5 pick next year.