Roundtable: Biggest 2016 NFL Draft Boom-Or-Bust Prospect
By Erik Lambert
Nov 21, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) on the field in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium. Baylor won 45-35. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
There is no success in drafting college players without risk.
Every year there will be certain names who garner tons of attention for their incredible physical attributes but at the same time lack the on-field production to back it up.
Experts refer to these types as “boom-or-bust” prospects. Players who can either become great or colossal failures. So whom among the class of the 2016 NFL draft fit that category? We asked the Mocks crew for answers.
Shawn Spencer:
Shawn Oakman from Baylor. Physically he’s one of the most gifted players in college football. The problem is he hasn’t produced. The Big 12 is a pass-happy conference, yet Oakman only has 4.5 sacks on the year and has looked extremely lethargic at times. He also has multiple off-field issues which NFL teams will be looking into. On the plus side, he should dominate the Combine and could significantly improve his stock. In the end, the impact he makes at the next level will depend on the coaching staff and his desire to succeed.
Eric Robinson:
Oakman was probably the main choice for many. Here’s an interesting one: Cal QB Jared Goff. Goff has talent along with the production but along with the positives come the inconsistency. Which is big red flag for Mr. Goff at the moment.
George Stockburger:
Oakman and Shilique Calhoun seem to be the big names because they burst onto the scene, especially on Twitter. I’ll go with Christian Hackenberg. Some believe he’s the next coming of Tom Brady, some think he’s the next Tim Couch. If he’s in the right system with the right coaches, his ceiling could be limitless. If he doesn’t find that place, he might crash. In my opinion he’s the biggest question mark in this years draft.
Sayre Bedinger:
For me it’s Cardale Jones. We have seen him at his very best at the end of 2014 and we saw him at his worst in 2015 getting benched for JT Barrett. I don’t know if there’s anyone who is as much of a question mark for me, amplified by the fact that he plays the QB position.
Erik Lambert:
One name to keep an eye on is Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. When you watch him, it’s clear he has the physical traits made to be an outside pass rusher. He’s athletic, quick, fast and agile with a good degree of power in his upper and lower body. The problem is he’s not putting those traits to full use. His sack production is average. It’s hard to say if it’s because he’s just raw or perhaps he lacks the relentlessness top rushers require.