Nothing is a given in the NFL. Every season takes on a different identity as veterans retire and their replacements are secured through the draft and free agency. By the end of the 2013 season, the Carolina Panthers' defense had earned the right to be labeled dominant. Nearly halfway through the 2014 season, they've performed pitifully enough to be categorized as pathetic. I wish this were an exaggeration, but it isn't. This is the cold, hard truth. Reality is hard to swallow and even harder to change, especially when dealing with players who keep making the same mistakes and coaches who seemingly lack the ability to scheme around their ineffectiveness.
Is there still hope for a playoff run? Sure. But only because the collection of teams that make up the NFC South is the worst in the NFL. Maybe something earth-shattering happens over the last nine games. Perhaps the Panthers somehow catch lightning in a bottle and do something miraculously unexpected. Whether they do what currently seems impossible or crash and burn, there is still the offseason to look forward to, which is where I come in. If you've lost your enthusiasm about this season, then Tuesday Afternoon Prospect Evaluation is that light at the end of the tunnel you may need to get through. If you're like me, then you're still optimistic about what can be accomplished this season, but haven't been able to resist the urge to look beyond 2014.
With that being said, the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft appears to be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Panthers. Because almost every position group is struggling, they're almost guaranteed to find themselves in a need-meeting-best-player-available scenario. Like many of you, I contend that the greatest need is to protect the franchise by drafting or signing lineman who can provide some legitimate protection for Cam Newton. If Dave Gettleman fails to address this particular area soon, then he'll be forced to deal with a myriad of unsavory ramifications, not the least of which is losing Newton to injury or free agency. But what if there's an athletically gifted defensive freak with limitless potential staring you in the face and enticing you to forego that greatest need? What do you do then? More interestingly, would Gettleman be willing to risk passing on a defensive end in the first round who may be graded only slightly higher than the next player on their board, which just so happens to be a left tackle?
His name is Shawn Oakman and you should get to know him because he's just the type of defensive end that the Panthers general manager is prone to covet. Let's start with his strengths.
Strengths
-Earned All-Big 12 honors in his first year of playing college football after transferring from Penn State
-Mammoth size at 6-foot-9 and 280-pounds
-Impressive length: his head coach was once quoted as saying he could shake your hand from across the room
-Excellent initial punch
-Maintains effective pad levels throughout engagement
-Above average functional strength
-Length makes it difficult for offensive lineman to get their hands on his chest
-Explosive off the snap
-Dips and Accelerates well around the edge
-Athleticism and abilities attracts double teams
-Powerful bull rusher
-Displays leadership qualities
-Currently tied for 10th place in the country with 10.5 tackles for loss through seven games
-Untapped potential
-For the most part, displays a relentless motor
-Above average run defender
-Holds the edge well, funneling runners inside
-Outstanding balance
Weaknesses
-Often lacks play recognition, especially on screens
-Doesn't play to the whistle at times
-Needs to develop and improve more pass rush moves
-Frequently relies on athleticism more than technique
-Inconsistent effort and results
Final Word
There is no doubt that Oakman is a rare physical specimen who has the size and potential to be a game changer in the NFL. Like any prospect who is raw, he will need some extra time to acclimate to the step up in competition. But even without the refined technique, he will be able to make plays on sheer athleticism alone. By the time the 2015 NFL Draft rolls around, Oakman will already be 23 years old, which isn't ideal when you consider the real possibility that he'll need extra time to develop.
This is a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, but he reminds me of the Panthers 2014 first rounder. In other words, he's this year's defensive version of Kelvin Benjamin, who was also a first round talent with plenty of confidence and question marks. Both are known for their size and length, which is superior to most anyone else at their respective positions. From an apples to apples standpoint, Oakman reminds me of the Detroit Lion's second year player, Ezekiel Ansah, who came in with a healthy mixture of unknown and upside as a rookie as well. Ultimately, I like his chances in the NFL, but if the Panthers ended up with a top fifteen pick, I would personally rather take a more polished offensive tackle commodity, even if it meant overlooking Oakman's transcendent potential.
What about you CSR? What do you think of today's prospect?