Oakman, Drango, top NFL prospects in 2016, boost Bears' 3-peat chances

The Baylor Bears' quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Big 12 title received a huge boost when sack man Shawn Oakman and superior left tackle Spencer Drango each decided to put off the NFL.

Now each will be looked upon as top prospects for the 2016 NFL draft.

Once the doormat of the league, the Bears had never won a Big 12 championship until 2013. They did it again last year, sharing the title with TCU. They can match Oklahoma (2006-08) as the only three-time champ in league history.

With their giant linemen back in the fold, the Bears have an excellent chance to make history.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Drango will enter his third season as Baylor's starting left tackle. The happiest guy around is Baylor's first-year starting quarterback Seth Russell. Drango explored entering the NFL draft, but was advised by the NFL Draft Advisory Board to stay at Baylor for his senior season. He listened.

Oakman, the former Penn State transfer, was the much bigger surprise when he announced his intention to stay.

A menace to all quarterbacks, Oakman likely would have been a top pick in last week's draft. So some NFL team's loss is Baylor's enormous gain. Oakman, an almost unbelievable 6-foot-9, 280 pounds, will anchor a veteran defensive line before quite possibly becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft.

His presence alone should make Baylor's defensive line one of the most ferocious in the Big 12.

(h/t Star-Telegram)

Photo Credit: Cooper Neill/Getty Images