Buffalo Bills select Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver in 2019 NFL Draft

The Buffalo Bills have used the ninth pick of the 2019 NFL Draft to select talented defensive tackle Ed Oliver. The Bills were rumored to be in on trades in both directions, up or down, and general manager Brandon Beane decided to stay put to nab a true game-changer on the defensive line.

Oliver, 21, exploded onto the scene in Houston as a freshman in 2016, dominating the American Athletic Conference to the tune of 65 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and five sacks. Over his three-year collegiate career, Oliver was a constant disruptive force in the backfield, totaling 53 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. While his junior season was his least productive, Oliver possesses a rare combination of athleticism, boasting size, strength, and quickness that will make opposing offensive lines fearful for years to come.

In Buffalo, Oliver figures to replace a Bills legend, slotting in at the three-tech position vacated by Kyle Williams upon his retirement at the end of the 2018 NFL season. The Bills were able to stand pat and add an elite piece to an already stout defense.