Ed Oliver (DT – Houston)
There is a very good chance that Ed Oliver could be the Derwin James of this draft. Everyone knows he is talented and once he gets to the league he will be an immediate impact player – yet he falls because of quarterbacks and teams reaching.
Buffalo could benefit big-time from that.
Oliver is a monster at 6-foot-3 and 291 pounds and what he lacks in weight he makes up in strength, speed and quickness. He has dominated his opposition over the past several seasons collecting 192 total tackles, 53 of which are for a loss. With 13.5 sacks, Oliver is an impressive run-stuffer and pass-rusher from the interior of the line.
As a freshman in 2016, Oliver erupted onto the scene with 65 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss and five sacks. He followed up as a sophomore with 73 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. In both seasons Oliver played 12 games.
This past season as a junior, Oliver played only eight games but was still just as productive with 54 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. His production continues to be impressive and his ability to shut plays down early in the backfield either as a sack or tackle for loss is extremely impressive.
With the retirement of Kyle Williams, Oliver could slide right into the void left by the Bills legend and become one of the premier young defensive linemen in the NFL.
Oliver sliding to No. 9 to Buffalo would be a dream scenario for the Bills and one they would undoubtedly pounce on.