Shawn Oakman Debate: Is the hype real or is he overrated?
As we get closer to the NFL Draft, the NFL Mocks staff will debate their thoughts on some of this years more puzzling prospects. Today, we focus on Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman. After a strong performance in last years bowl game and a menacing picture of him surfaced, people fell in love with his game.
Since then, his production has suffered and the vast holes in his game have shown up multiple times.
Here was our question to the NFL Mocks staff: Does anyone here actually like Shawn Oakman or see any potential in him, because I see none at all. If that picture from last year never happened, are we really talking about him?
Erik Lambert: Has all the talent. Lacks the alpha personality. No motor.
Shawn Spencer: Plenty of potential. Just doesn’t have the motor or desire to be great.
George Stockburger: I agree with the motor, but I see nothing in his game that would make me want to draft him. He’s too slim and doesn’t get enough push, I saw a lot of hands to the face penalties, and in the Michigan State tape when he was going after Cook he literally tried to jump on his shoulders and made no attempt at a tackle. He’s frustrating to watch.
Erik Lambert: Yes
George Stockburger: What’s his round projection for you guys?
Shawn Spencer: Projection is 2nd. He’ll light up the Combine and some team will overdraft him.
Eric Robinson: I like him. I like his potential but I also think he’s a project. He has this perception from the masses that he’s a “beast” just based on that picture. The guy had a .5 sack over his last five games this season. He’s a project.
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George Stockburger: I think he’s the biggest project in this years draft and I’m not touching him until day three. Who ever took that picture should get a nice chunk of his rookie contract. The motor, strength, frame, intellegence all worry me
Eric Robinson: Honestly I agree with George. He’s more of a project than Braxton Miller.
George Stockburger: I would take Miller solely based on his athleticism, but that’s a debate for another day. I’m sliding Oakman further and further down my big board and have him as a 4th round guy right now. Fourth/fifth round guys are all my project projections.
Rodney Stokes: Similar to Hageman when he came out, if he can truly learn to love the game then he has a future in this league
Eric Robinson: Valid point. He’s learning. Getting better year by year
George Stockburger: Another reason not to like him. Don’t see how you can invest in a guy if he isn’t committed and love the game. Saw the same issue with Danny Watkins in Philly a couple years ago. Guy was more interested in being a firefighter than a football player.
What are your thoughts on Shawn Oakman? Comment below and continue the conversation here and on Twitter!