Although free agency has been in full swing for the team, the Buffalo Bills have continued to schedule “top 30” pre-draft visits with draft prospects. According to Ryan Talbot of newyorkupstate.com, the latest visitor the team has lined up is none other than defensive tackle Ed Oliver.
A five-star recruit, Oliver was a revelation as soon as he stepped on the field his rookie season. His quickness off the snap and astonishing strength at the point of attack for a player of his size allowed him to place second in the nation in tackles-for-loss with 23, as well as record 5 sacks. Despite being lined up as a zero-technique, an extreme rarity for 280-pound defensive tackle, his sophomore campaign was more of the same. Much was expected of Oliver for his junior year, but after sustaining a knee injury in early November and suffering multiple setbacks, Oliver’s frustrations seem to boil over during an argument with Houston head coach Major Applewhite to end the season.
Ever since his freshman season, draft observers have pegged Oliver as a top-ten, or even top-five pick. However, His inability to turn his athletic gifts into ultra-productive sack totals has worried analysts. Some are concerned he may simply be a one-trick pony, unable to develop as much as preferred for the NFL.
The Bills are allowed up to thirty private pre-draft visits with college prospects before the draft. This is the second recorded visitor, and also the second defensive lineman after it was announced EMU defensive end Maxx Crosby will visit the team.