2019 NFL Draft: Ed Oliver garnering significant pro comparisons
2019 NFL Draft prospect Ed Oliver is regarded by many as the No. 1 overall prospect. He’s beginning to garner significant pro comparisons.
The 2019 NFL Draft is just under one year away, but it’s already become one of the most highly anticipated events in quite some time. The talent at the top features a number of game-changing defensive players and a crop of quarterbacks who could outclass the group from 2018.
While everyone has an opinion about who fans should be watching, it’s Houston Cougars defensive tackle Ed Oliver who consistently surfaces near the top of those lists.
Oliver is a 6’2″ and 290-pound force of nature who can overwhelm opponents with his speed, power, or technique. He can obliterate quarterbacks in the pass rush or blow up runs before they even begin to develop.
For that, Oliver has earned comparisons to one of the most dominant forces in the NFL today: Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
"From a production standpoint as a game-wrecker on the defensive interior, Oliver could get some Aaron Donald comps — which ain’t bad company."
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com found another player to compare Oliver to: A prime, healthy, and motivated Sheldon Richardson.
"From a production standpoint as a game-wrecker on the defensive interior, Oliver could get some Aaron Donald comps — which ain’t bad company."
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports also made the comparison of Oliver to Donald, which brings the tally to three respected NFL Draft evaluators making Pro Bowl projections.
Donald is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a three-time first-team All-Pro honoree and a four-time Pro Bowler. Richardson is a former Pro Bowler himself, as well as the 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Whether Oliver plays like Donald or a motivated Richardson, most agree that the team selecting him would be receiving an impact player of the highest order.
As for why Oliver is receiving such high praise, it begins with his ability to create consistent penetration from the interior of the defensive line.
Oliver recorded 138 total tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks between his freshman and sophomore seasons. He’s turned heads in games against Arizona, Louisville, Navy, and Oklahoma, displaying an ability to get after even the most athletic of runners and quarterbacks.
Considering he’s overcoming the absence of ideal height for the position, the praise Oliver is receiving should speak volumes about how gifted a talent he is.
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It’s still early, but Ed Oliver is a prospect whom you’ll need to know ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft.