Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman's play this season is drawing attention, and one NFL scout sees the Bears' 6-foot-9, 280-pound junior as a first-round NFL draft pick.
"He's big and strong and relentless," an NFC area scout told NFL Media's Albert Breer. "He's got a great motor, too. He'll be first round for someone."
Oakman has four tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble in three games this season for the undefeated Bears. If he maintains that pace, he'll end the season as one of the most disruptive defenders in the Big 12 and could lead the league in sacks. Iowa State's Cory Morrisey and Texas' Malcom Brown are the only two Big 12 players averaging more sacks per game than Oakman.
The former Penn State player was a backup last season and made just two sacks, but emerged as a starter during spring practice and has been a key defender for the Bears, leading the team in both sacks and tackles for loss. At 6-9, his size will certainly be a point of attraction for NFL clubs.
As a junior, Oakman will be able to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft after the season if he chooses to skip his last year of NCAA eligibility.
An AFC scout also told Breer that Georgia wide receivers Chris Conley and Michael Bennett project as mid-round draft picks.
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