BuffaLowDown
Fansided

Buffalo Bills 2020 Season Report Card: Defensive Tackle

By Brandon Croce

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Buffalo Bills
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 16: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Buffalo Bills entered this season with some major changes at the position. The Bills saw Jordan Phillips leave in free agency, signing with the Arizona Cardinals, and then had Star Lotulelei elect to opt-out of the season due to the pandemic.

They made two big signings with Vernon Butler and Quinton Jefferson but a player who started the year on the practice squad could have had the biggest impact on the position. Let’s review the season performance of the team’s defensive tackles and hand out grades.

Ed Oliver

Season Stats: 16 games played (16 starts), 33 total tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, 3 passes defended, 3 sacks, 6 QB Hits

There has been plenty of excitement around Ed Oliver since the Buffalo Bills drafted him in the Top 10 of the 2019 NFL Draft. Many envisioned him being an Aaron Donald-type player with his athleticism and explosiveness, which is rare for defensive tackles.

While he hasn’t put up Aaron Donald numbers through the first two years, he has continued to show growth and development that makes him a key part of this line. This past season he didn’t get to put up big sack numbers as his role shifted with Star Lotulelei opting out and Oliver playing more 1-tech.

Brandon Beane was asked about Ed Oliver after the season and he said he felt he took a step forward between Year 1 and Year 2. He went on to say that the sacks would come and I agree once he gets a true 1-tech defensive tackle next to him.

Grade: B

Home/Buffalo Bills News