Yes Shannon was considered a small tightend. When Shannon came into the league tightends were pretty much offensive linemen who were eligible to catch passes. Most of the time they were blocking the defense so they had to be big. Tightends then were 6 foot 3 inches and taller and weighed 260 pounds or more. Shannon was 6 foot 2 inches and weighed 230 pounds. Since Shannon changed how that position is played tightends now are more of a receiver than an offensive lineman. They are vital parts of teams offensive arsenal.