5 Buffalo Bills players not named Josh Allen who have to step up in 2023

4.) Ed Oliver - Defensive Tackle

The newest paid Bill who signed a four year, $68 million dollar extension with the Buffalo will have to show that the contract he signed was a good investment for the team.

Oliver was brought to Buffalo as a stepping stone piece to the Bills’ future back in 2019 and while he has shown flashes, Oliver has not exactly lived up to the ninth overall pick hype. In four seasons, he has recorded 14.5 sacks and 151 tackles. In his flashes, Oliver showed off a bull rush where he stops the run or gets to the quarterback instantly. 

One benefit that should be in Oliver’s favor is the play calling this season on defense. Oliver has only played under defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier the last four seasons. With Frazier no longer with the team, Sean McDermott is set to call the defensive plays and he has shown to have an aggressive approach.

If Oliver is able to adapt to a potentially new defensive scheme and lives up to the hype of his new contract, Oliver will be able to step up and make a big play on third down to get Josh Allen and the offense back on the field.