Ed Oliver hasn't been participating in the early stages of the Buffalo Bills' organized team activities (OTAs). However, the standout defensive tackle seems to see how he fits into the picture in due course.
All of Buffalo must adjust to new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, but especially Oliver. The club's 2019 first-round pick spent the first seven years of his NFL career taking orders from ex-head coach Sean McDermott. It's a massive changing of the guard — one that has come with a fair share of pressure.
Nevertheless, pressure makes diamonds, as the saying goes, and Oliver appears up for the challenge. He's evidently not too concerned about transitioning to a different scheme, considering Leonhard has earned the benefit of the doubt.
Oliver has proof of concept, specifically after seeing Denver Broncos star defensive lineman Zach Allen reach new heights under Leonhard's tutelage.
"If you turn on the tape, the guy they had in Denver was pretty good," Oliver said, regarding Allen (h/t Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com). "He looks like he's playing pretty free. So hopefully I can have that same success in the same system."
Ed Oliver highlights Broncos' Zach Allen as validation of Bills DC Jim Leonhard
Allen showed promise as a rotational player with the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 through 2022, though he truly broke out in Denver. Coincidentally, his ascension happened once Leonhard, who joined the Broncos' staff in 2024 as their defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach, arrived.
Over the past two seasons, excluding the playoffs, Allen amassed 99 tackles (19 for loss), 87 quarterback hits, 15.5 sacks and seven pass deflections. He's established himself as one of the NFL's most disruptive interior presences, as evidenced by consecutive All-Pro nods during this stretch. Denver also rewarded him with a four-year, $102 million contract extension last August.
Given the transfer of power in Buffalo, Oliver is practically learning how to ride a bike all over again. Yet, he's open-minded and optimistic, and it's easy to see why. Allen's trajectory with the Broncos is a roadmap, and Leonhard may very well be the catalyst.
Why can't Oliver take a similar leap? He has the athleticism and physical tools to be a one-man wrecking crew just like Allen. The former was operating at an impressively high level in 2025 before an ankle injury and torn biceps limited him to three games.
Signed through 2027, Oliver has a chance to follow Allen's footsteps and cash in on a payday with Leonhard leading the charge on defense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google