Baylor senior defensive end Shawn Oakman and junior safety Orion Stewart are suspended for the Bears' first game of the season against SMU for violating team rules, according to Waco Tribune reporter Brice Cherry.
Oakman and Stewart were two key players on last year's Big 12 championship team. Oakman is a returning All-American who holds Baylor's record for sacks in a single season with 11 last year. Many expected Oakman to be a top pick in the 2016 NFL draft, including NFL reporter Chad Reuter, who had Oakman going second after Connor Cook. Oakman's suspension likely will give NFL coaches questions about off-field issues, but as long as he can perform on the field and doesn't find himself in any more trouble he will likely still be a top pick. Oakman is 6-foot-9 and 280 pounds and creates havoc for opposing linemen and quarterbacks.
All-Big 12 returning safety Stewart had a monster sophomore season last year when he recorded 78 solo tackles and four interceptions. Junior Taion Sells will likely get the nod in Stewart's absence and will have to adjust fast as he has only played in six games in two seasons at Baylor.
The Bears have a couple of options behind Oakman including two sophomores in Nance Brian and KJ Smith. After an injury to Jamal Palmer last season Smith was inserted into the starting lineup and had a good overall season getting five sacks.
Baylor will miss both standout players against SMU Friday night, but its high-powered offense should be able to handle the Mustangs. SMU was the opposite of Baylor last season, going 1-11 and losing to Baylor in last year's opener 45-0.
Oakman and Stewart's suspensions should not truly hinder the Bears' play on Friday night, but it is something to keep an eye on moving forward as both players are crucial to Baylor's success this season.