5 Buffalo Bills who will take a massive step forward in 2022
By Theo Bachman
Ed Oliver
As he enters a contract year, I think 2022 is the year that the rest of the NFL learns just how good Ed Oliver is.
He disappointed early on in his career, but since then, Oliver has morphed into a top 10 player at his position, and it’s like nobody has even noticed. With Tim Settle and DaQuan Jones on the roster to eat up blocks in 2022, I think Big Ed will live in the backfield in 2022 and finally get the recognition he deserves.
A year ago, Oliver ranked 7th in pass rush win rate and ninth in run stop win rate. It is rare to find a three-down defensive tackle who is elite in both facets of the game. Oliver was the only player to appear in the Top 10 of both categories, as not even Aaron Donald was as consistent at stopping the run.
A better defensive line around him should open up more one-on-one opportunities for Ed, and I think he can enter the discussion to be a Top 3 defensive tackle in the league by season’s end.
