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Patriots: Forecasting Steven Scheu in 2016

By Connor Fulton

Sep 12, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Steven Scheu (81) is unable to catch a pass while defended by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Steven Scheu (81) is unable to catch a pass while defended by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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This is the 13th installment in a 17-part series in which we are forecasting what 2016 holds in store for each member of the New England Patriots’ rookie class. Today, we’re forecasting former Vanderbilt tight end Steven Scheu in 2016.

The skinny: Scheu made the most of a tough aerial attack situation at Vanderbilt last season, snagging 26 passes for 231 yards and one touchdown. Athleticism is not Scheu’s strong suit; rather, he possesses good awareness in traffic and knows how to protect the ball. Unfortunately for Scheu, he’s neither big enough to have much value as a blocking tight end nor athletic enough to make it in the NFL as a receiving tight end.

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Pessimistic forecast: Amid a crowded tight end group of Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, A.J. Derby, Clay Harbor, Michael Williams and fellow undrafted rookie Bryce Williams, Scheu barely stands a chance. That much is made clear early on in training camp and he quickly gets cut.

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Optimistic forecast: Scheu impresses here and there and lasts past the first round of cuts. He makes a few nice plays in the preseason and holds his own in joint practices against the Chicago Bears. Still, the Vandy product gets cut before Week 1 and doesn’t even land on the practice squad.

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Realistic forecast: This is one of the instances where the pessimistic forecast doubles as the realistic one. Look, there is really only one spot available after roster locks Gronk and Bennett. Since Scheu doesn’t bring anything special to the table, it’s more likely we’ll see sophomore pro Derby, dependable veteran Harbor or blocking specialist Williams make the team instead.

Be sure to stop by Musket Fire tomorrow morning as we forecast undrafted linebacker C.J. Johnson.

Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition

What do you think 2016 has in store for Scheu?

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