Fantasy Football 2017: Top 5 rookie tight end fits

In fantasy football, it’s generally considered a smart move to avoid rookie tight ends. However, this year’s incoming draft class is the best we’ve seen in years. Which players will have an immediate impact?

5. Adam Shaheen, Chicago Bears

At 6-foot-6, 278 pounds, Shaheen is a freak of nature. It doesn’t matter whether he’s in his first year or his fifth; his size will be extremely difficult to defend. With current starter Zach Miller turning 33 this season and favored red zone target Alshon Jeffery walking in free agency, Chicago might look to get Shaheen involved early.

At Division II school Ashland University, he dominated his final two seasons with 127 receptions, 1670 yards and 26 touchdowns. The argument is often made against small school players that they haven’t faced a good enough “level of competition” to produce at the NFL, but that argument should be washed away when considering how well Shaheen performed. That he was voted two-time AFCA All-American and first team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tells us how much better than his competition he was.

There are obstacles for Shaheen. Miller is still at the top of the depth chart and the Bears signed Dion Sims to a three-year contract in March, but neither of them are quite the physical specimen the rookie is. Whether it’s Mike Glennon or number two overall pick Mitch Trubisky throwing the ball, Shaheen could be his quarterback’s best friend. He has touchdown-dependent upside.