Every player’s path to the NFL is uniquely different. Most NFL general managers would agree that the acquisition of talent is never a completed task.
The Cleveland Browns recently signed a wide receiver named Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, who finished playing college football two years ago and had never made an NFL roster or practice squad. The long shot dream came true, and it just goes to show how some talent is undeniable.
Sheehy-Guiseppi ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash in his Browns workout. He will compete for a roster spot as a kick returner, special teams player and possibly wide receiver.
Shawn Oakman was a projected first-round draft pick while playing at Baylor. He is the career sacks leader at Baylor as well. His talent, size, and skill are unquestioned. The Baylor product went untouched in the 2016 NFL Draft after he was arrested and charged with raping a woman at his apartment. Oakman and his lawyer maintained his innocence, even turning down what some called favorable plea deals which included probation. After nearly three years, Oakman was found not guilty on March 1, 2019.
The 6-foot-9 defensive end, who would become the tallest in the league at his position in the 2019 season, posted a recent message for his followers; it’s clear he’s trying to let people know he’s serious about pursuing his NFL aspirations.
“I want to play football at the highest level and just really finally get my chance,” says Oakman.
Oakman has now decided to take part in the Spring League. Brian Woods, Spring League chief executive officer, when talking about Oakman joining the league, said, “Shawn Oakman is a player of exceptional ability and a person we believe deserved a second chance.”
The Spring league consists of around 170 players. A year ago, 37 players signed free-agent deals with the NFL alone.
Any team that might be willing to take a flyer on Oakman would be offering him a league minimum deal. After all, Oakman has never played in the NFL and has been out of any professional or college football for three years. On April 7, Oakman turned 27 years old, a slightly higher age than the average former college player hoping to get an NFL workout. Oakman is not a player who you can sign and they will immediately start, but rather a low-risk minimal contract with a nice upside.
It is yet to be seen if Shawn Oakman ever gets an NFL workout. He is still a long shot to make an NFL roster in 2019. He has, however, cleared the way for an opportunity to present itself. His name will be back in circulation amongst NFL scouts who are watching the Spring League as Oakman is often the biggest player on the field.
Oakman remains optimistic about his chances to play in the NFL. “I think the game will put my name out there,” he said. “My game will speak for itself.”
