Musket Fire
FanSided

Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Steven Scheu

By Connor Fulton

Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Steven Scheu (81) catches a pass behind Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Steven Scheu (81) catches a pass behind Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 44-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

With kickoff for the New England Patriots’ 2016 opener just 44 days, away, we are taking a closer look at the owner of the No. 44 jersey, undrafted rookie tight end Steven Scheu.

Size: 6-foot-5, 256 pounds

College: Vanderbilt

NFL experience: Rookie

Scheu (pronounced SHOY) was a pretty productive college tight end despite playing in a Vanderbilt offense piloted by poor quarterback play. 2014 was Scheu’s best season, leading SEC tight ends in receptions (39) and racking up 525 yards and four touchdowns. Scheu’s production took a dive in 2015, as he caught just 26 passes for 231 yards and one score.

Top 10 battles to watch in Pats training camp

Scheu’s strengths include his ability to catch contested passes in traffic, general awareness, and blocking angles, according to his NFL.com scouting report. On the other hand, Scheu’s athleticism and speed leave much to be desired, and his blocking would benefit from a few added pounds. He is not an outstanding enough pass catcher to make an NFL roster as a receiver alone, and he’s definitely not a good enough blocker either.

8 most essential players on Patriots’ roster

So what does the future hold for Scheu in New England? This writer doesn’t think he’ll be much more than a camp body. Scheu will be competing for the No. 3 tight end role along with Clay Harbor, A.J. Derby and fellow undrafted rookie Bryce Williams. Harbor is projected to win that job on account of his versatility and NFL experience, and you have to think that second-year Patriot Derby is next in line.

There is a window of opportunity for D.J. Foster

If Scheu shows the Patriots something special in training camp and postseason games, he just might end up on the practice squad or brought back in the event that injuries hit the position hard. But don’t hold your breath.

Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster

Be sure to stop by Musket Fire on tomorrow morning as we count down 43 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 43 jersey, special teamer Nate Ebner.

Home/Patriots News