2015 NFL Draft Prospect Shawn Oakman
Oct 11, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (74) faces off against Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) during the game at McLane Stadium. The Bears defeat Horned Frogs 61-58. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Talent
Oakman is 6’9″, 280 pounds so to me, his most natural position would be 3-4 end and maybe some 4-3 base-end. He has excellent athleticism as the Bears sometimes drop him in coverage and he hasn’t hand any problems playing in space. But he speed, power and length combination would be best used as a 3-4 end along with his quickness off the ball.
Scouts have expressed concerns about his not-so-thick lower body not giving him the power to deal with the larger tackles in the NFL. But I don’t see a problem there as with boxers, his length won’t allow lineman to consistently get inside to use their strength advantage. And also, his ripped 6’8″ frame could add 20 pounds with no problem and not take away any of his mobility.