Going Big at De?

A few days ago, I wrote about Deforest Buckner and how he isn't a fit due to his lack of quickness and inability to change direction from east to west. Buckner is a great 3-4 end and could be a good 4-3 defensive tackle, but the Bucs need a force around the edge. I think if the Bucs do want to go with size at DE, they should look no further than Baylor's DE Shawn Oakman, who stands at 6'9 275 which is just insane. Oakman is probably not the best of fits for this defense but I like his traits more than Buckner because he already has a great first step and a non-stop motor which you cant teach.

When I watch Oakman I see a guy who hasn't figured it out yet but shows glimpses of greatness when he does the right move or technique. With Jay Hayes on board, I could easily see Oakman improve his consistency with his technique and be able to dip his shoulder which would enable him to beat his man more often. Most people don't know Oakman has only been playing football since his junior year of High School, so the game is still new to him and he is very raw as a player. Oakman would be a solid pick in the third round as he is your ultimate boom or bust player, as he has massive potential if he can apply more consistency and technique into his game. That's a big If, but if he can do it the opposing 31 teams would be in trouble dealing with a freak athlete like Oakman every Sunday.

Oakman put up 17.5 sacks in three years at Baylor with his best year in 2014 with 11 sacks which is pretty good for a guy that was constantly double teamed throughout his career. Overall, Oakman is a freakish specimen who needs to learn how to convert his quick first step to more power which will allow him to take shorter paths to the QB. If the Bucs do draft him, he will be in good hands with coach Jay Hayes, who has coach big De's like Carlos Dunlap and Margus Hunt.