Buffalo Bills: 5 players with the most to gain in 2020

Ed Oliver

The ninth overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, Oliver came into his rookie season as a can’t miss prospect for the Buffalo Bills. Oliver had a slower start to the season as to be expected for a rookie, going sack-less in the first five games.

Then proceeding to have 5 sacks in the next 6 games, while having a standout 2 sack game including a strip sack against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Oliver would finish with 5 sacks on the season which is a good number for a rookie defensive tackle.

Oliver would finish the year as Buffalo’s top rated interior defender with a grade of 65.6 according to PFF. This wasn’t amazing by any standards but I think Oliver did offer more than Jordan Phillips to the team. Oliver played about 55 percent of defensive snaps last season, look for a jump to around 65 percent next season which would lead to more production for Oliver.

With the added depth to the defensive line in Addison, Jefferson, Epenesa and Butler, look for Buffalo to also get creative with how they use Oliver, especially on passing downs. Oliver could lineup at one-technique on passing downs, who is super athletic for that position, which will be leaving offensive lines shaking.

Ed Oliver has all the potential to produce a Pro Bowl season this year, with the pass rushing talent he possesses, I see no reason that Oliver can’t hover around 10 sacks.