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Grading every first round pick in the NFL Draft for the Buffalo Bills current regime

By Brandon Croce

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Gregory Rousseau (Miami) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Buffalo Bills as the number 30 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Gregory Rousseau (Miami) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Buffalo Bills as the number 30 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Ed Oliver (2019 NFL Draft)

In 2019, the Buffalo Bills would have the ninth overall pick and would be the last time this current regime had a draft pick in the Top 10 of an NFL Draft. The Bills would select defensive tackle Ed Oliver out of the University of Houston.

While an undersized defensive tackle, Oliver had incredible athleticism and the expectation was that he could be a force rushing the quarterback from the interior of the defensive line. Unfortunately, that hasn’t become a reality and while Oliver has had flashes he has been very streaky.

The lack of production hasn’t been entirely his fault as he had to be more of a one-tech in 2020 with Star Lotulelei opting out of the season. That season he was expected more to defend the run and eat up space versus penetrate and make plays in the backfield.

In the past two seasons, Oliver has had the chance to play more of his natural position and he has been more productive with 6.5 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, and 28 QB hits. However, he hasn’t been able to play at the level that comes with lofty expectations of being a Top 10 pick. This season will be a make-or-break year as he enters the final year of his contract.

Grade: C

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