Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive X-factors for second half of 2017 season

3. Adam Shaheen, TE

The Chicago Bears drafted Adam Shaheen in the second round of this year’s draft. At 6-6, 278 pounds, he provides the big target Trubisky needs, especially in the red zone. With Zach Miller‘s horrible injury, the Bears need for him to step up. The Bears brought Shaheen up slowly this season. They’re treating him much the same way they do Trubisky: with kid gloves. He has just one reception on two targets — a two-yard touchdown reception (see, red zone target).

Shaheen comes from a Division II school so the coaches don’t want to put too much on him. Also, they want him to improve his blocking skills. Well, Dion Sims is a good blocker. The Bears need offense, and they need players on offense who can catch and run routes well. Shaheen can do that. He has soft hands and his route running is very good.

I understand that the future Chicago Bears will be very good. The problem is that some of those future players are on the roster TODAY. They need to get a proper look so the team knows what they really have. They are in a situation where they see into the future so they need to take advantage of this.

The 2017 draft class looks good for the Bears so far. Trubisky, Cohen and Eddie Jackson are starters. The other member of that class, Jordan Morgan, is on injured reserve. It’s time for Shaheen to shine as well. Miller was the only player on offense with multiple touchdown receptions. Additionally, he led the team in receiving yards and receptions. Now the coaches need to let go of the leash and let Shaheen do his thing.

If you have a big body that creates mismatches in the red zone, thus helping you score more points, why won’t you use it? Remember general manager Ryan Pace’s words when he drafted Shaheen (per the Chicago Sun-Times):

"I think he’s projected to play early. We spent a lot of time on that. It’s [a] big jump, but he has the physical skill set to make that jump and we’re confident in that. We’re excited about what he can add to our team right now."

Now is the time put those words into action.