STRENGTHS - Shanahan is a very big wide receiver with good route running skills. He is an incredibly silky athlete for a big man as he is very fluid in and out of his breaks. He is a patient football player as he will run deep "clear-out" routes for long parts of games without being targeted. He is a great play action route runner as he can set up the defender with a fake block and find an open area in the defense. He is great on the move does a good job of catching the ball with naturally soft hands.
WEAKNESSES - Shanahan is not a player that is going to accelerate away from the defense, and he isn't going to separate over short areas either. He does not showcase elite speed or any sudden qualities as an athlete. He is a good blocker but he doesn't stay engaged when the ball goes to the other side of the field. He could be a great candidate for a change of position at the NFL level, with a move to the "joker" tight end position.
SUMMARY - Shanahan is a big bodied wide receiver with great pass catching skills and great route running chops. He isn't a great athlete and he is going to struggle to play receiver in the NFL because of his lack of speed and foot quickness. He waits patiently for his opportunity and is the kind of player I would want to play with. He will run deep, clearing routes for his team and not get thrown the ball much, if at all. He is a great play action route runner because of his ability to set up defenders with the fake block. As a receiver he is going to have a very hard time against the bigger, faster secondary in the NFL and he really should consider moving to the "joker" tight end position, as NFL teams are desperate for big pass catchers who can move well. The move actually suits his skill set and puts him in a better, more advantageous position running against linebackers instead of corners. As a receiver, he currently warrants late-round consideration, but as a tight end, his draft stock could be higher, even as a developmental player.