Adam Shaheen

Under-recruited out of high school, Shaheen was a 190-pound wide receiver as a senior at Big Walnut and was better known for his skills on the basketball court. He entertained both basketball and football scholarship offers, but received more financial support to play basketball so that is the route he took, committing to Pittsburgh-Johnstown. Shaheen, who averaged 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds over 26 games his true freshman season, missed being on the football field and decided to transfer and switch sports following the 2013-14 basketball season. He talked with several Division-II programs before deciding on Ashland, also making the switch to tight end, a position he never played before. After only two catches as a third-stringer in 2014, Shaheen became a starter as a sophomore and led all NCAA tight ends with 70 receptions for 803 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Division-II All-American honors. He started all 11 games as a junior in 2016 and set a new Division-II record for touchdown receptions by a tight end (16), finishing with 57 receptions for 867 yards to again earn All-American honors. A two-year starter at Ashland, Shaheen lined up primarily on the line of scrimmage in a three-point stance and occasionally stood up in the slot. With his basketball background, he didn't take the traditional journey to this point, but developed into a legitimate NFL prospect at the Division-II level with 26 receiving scores the past two seasons -- would be the first offensive player ever drafted from Ashland. Shaheen is an impressive athlete for his size and carries his 275-pound frame well in his routes to be a productive target at every level of the field, also showing the ability to be an asset as a blocker. Although his skill-set lacks sophistication, Shaheen's issues are based more on inexperience rather than lack of talent.

strengths

Proportionate body thickness and has worked hard to develop his tall frame -- added 75+ pounds since high school. Fluid athleticism for his size with no signs of stiffness in his movements. Accelerates well in his routes with subtle hesitation to create separation. Controlled focus at the catch point and comfortable making contested grabs in traffic. Fights through contact mid-route and aggressively competes for position at the top of routes. Tramples defensive backs after the catch. Catches well in stride with the deep speed to go the distance. Balanced inline blocker and runs his feet at contact to create movement. Controlled in space to break down and engage defenders -- impressive ability as a lead blocker to clear run lanes. Gritty, tough-minded competitor and the gas tank is never on "E". Enjoys the physicality of the position. Dominated Division-II competition the past two seasons with 26 receiving touchdowns -- leaves Ashland ranked top-10 in career receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,755).

weaknesses

Unpolished route runner and needs to clean up his footwork on downfield patterns. Limited route work and requires growth in this area. Lacks the downfield burst to consistently uncover in man coverage. Gets too physical at the top of routes and will attract attention from officials. Late to locate at times, allowing throws to get on top of him. Aggressive hands as a blocker, but technique is still a work-in-progress. Needs to improve his angles on the edges to seal the outside. Only three years of experience at the tight end position and faced a lower level of competition.