How were 8 tight ends drafted before George Kittle in 2017?

George Kittle was drafted in the fifth round out of Iowa by the 49ers in 2017. He was the ninth tight end selected.

Adam Shaheen (2, 45)

AP Photo/Jim Mone

The Chicago Bears did some deep scouting to find Adam Shaheen, who played college ball at Ashland. Shaheen played one year of college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. In 2014, he transferred to Ashland University and joined the football team as a walk-on. During his college career, he had 129 receptions for 1,755 yards and 26 touchdowns. As a Bear, he has played in 27 games in three seasons with 26 catches for 249 yards and four TDs.