Chicago Bears: 5 Key players for a successful 2019 season

Adam Shaheen, Tight End

Adam Shaheen was a surprise second-round pick for the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft. At 6-6, 270 pounds, his body draws comparisons to New England great Rob Gronkowski. Shaheen showed glimpses of how good he can become. For his career, he caught 85 percent of the passes thrown his way. He runs great routes and with his height, he can jump over defenders to make contested catches. Also, he’s gotten better as a blocker.

The problem with Shaheen is he can’t stay healthy enough to stay on the field consistently. In his two seasons with the Bears, he’s missed 13 games. His second season was especially brutal. He suffered a foot and ankle injury that forced him to injured reserve until November. Later he suffered a concussion as well.

A healthy Shaheen is critical for the Bears offense, most notably in the red zone. He gives Trubisky another big target. Actually, he is the Bears’ biggest target, with the other tight end, Trey Burton, and the aforementioned Robinson, both coming in at 6-3.

Having both Burton and Shaheen on the field could give the Bears the same advantage the Patriots had with Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Defenses have to pick their poison. Add to the mix the other receivers and running backs all over the field and Trubisky has himself a lot of options. Defenses won’t be able to focus on anyone in particular, and that will lead to big plays and a lot more points. Shaheen needs to stay healthy, however, for that to happen.