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Archives for April 26, 2019

NFL Draft 2019: Sports Illustrated gives Buffalo Bills’ selection of Ed Oliver a C grade

‘Most likely, the Bills saw this as a value pick. And after signing Star Lotulelei for big money in free agency last year, to pair with 2018 third-rounder Harrison Phillips and gifted (though mercurial) ex-Dolphin Jordan Phillips, they didn’t have a glaring need at defensive tackle. But outside, they badly need an edge rusher, as 2016 first-rounder Shaq Lawson is not that guy and Jerry Hughes could be in his last year with the club. That said, you can make room for a dynamic gap penetrator. Oliver relies on quickness and elusiveness within confined areas, which is a unique style of play. But considering his having had an up-and-down 2018 season and Buffalo not badly needing a defensive tackle, overall this is a high-risk, high-reward pick for a team looking to add talent in multiple places.’

NFL Draft 2019: 15 second-round targets for the Buffalo Bills

‘After bolstering their defensive line, the Bills could turn their attention to the offensive line. Kansas State’s Dalton Risner was viewed as a late first-early second round pick in many mock drafts and could instantly start at guard for Buffalo. He met with the Bills at the combine and spoke highly of the team’s coaching staff.’

Buffalo Bills select Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver with ninth pick of 2019 NFL Draft

‘“We liked where we were at nine, and you don’t truly know how it’s going to fall, but we felt if a couple quarterbacks went that we would get a player definitely worthy of the ninth pick and that’s what we did,” said Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane from One Bills Drive. “Ed is a competitor. He plays from the snap to the echo of the whistle. He fits buffalo, and how we do things here.”’

2019 NFL Draft Grades: Bills get an A after Ed Oliver falls into their laps at No. 9 overall

‘Going with a throwback for Oliver despite his presence as a “new-age” one-gapper at the three technique position, charging through the outside shoulder of either guard. That’s, at least, where I’d play him essentially all the time, despite varying suggestions as to all the types of roles he could assume — and thrive in — at the next level. The same was true for Randle. Kind of. With him though, as an undrafted free agent from Texas A&M-Kingsville, coaches initially didn’t know where to play him. The two are almost identically sized, and once Randle was given free rein to attack inside at defensive tackle, he dominated for nearly a decade. Like Randle did, Oliver plays with otherworldly explosiveness and aggression. His quickness and loose hips translate to ridiculously low-center-of-gravity power.’

Bills select Ed Oliver ninth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft

‘”No one is going to replace Kyle Williams. I want to temper expectations right off the bat. Ed is going to have to bring his lunch pail to work every day and earn everything he gets. We’re excited to see Ed in our system and integrate him with our group. We’re anxious to get Ed in here so he can learn the defense and take things one rep at a time. He’s an energetic, young man with a good smile and will definitely energize the guys early on. You could feel him. That’s presence; that’s energy. When Ed worked out, you could feel the quickness and power and the juice. More than anything, this young man’s competitive nature showed through.”‘

Capaccio: Board fell perfectly for Bills to get their man

‘Beane added that in all the mock drafts his staff did in pre-draft preparation, they never had Oliver falling to them if only one QB was taken in top 8, had him sometimes falling if two QBs were taken, and was usually there if three QBs were selected. Two QBs and a non-QB surprise happened. He added that they thought a team could trade with the Lions into the No.8 spot and take him once he got there. That didn’t happen.’