NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Quarterbacks rise post-combine, Redskins land pass catcher

It’s becoming more and more popular to mock an offensive player to the Bills at this spot. They could be the team that benefits from the tremendous upside of a receiver like D.K. Metcalf or they could consider adding a guy to help the right side of their offensive line. However, it may be tough for them to pass on a talent like Ed Oliver with the ninth pick.

Oliver played his college ball at Houston, and the results were mixed. He only tallied 13.5 sacks in his three seasons with the squad, but he was able to total a monstrous 53 tackles for loss during that span. For the NFL level, he looks like a player that will penetrate into opposing backfields quickly, find space between gaps, and be a force as both a run stuffer and pass rusher.

One of the major concerns surrounding Oliver ahead of the combine was his size. Some were worried that he would come in underweight, but he measured in just a hair under 6-2 and at 287 pounds. That’s plenty big enough to avoid being bullied by bigger, strong interior offensive linemen at the NFL level.

Of course, Oliver didn’t work out at that weight as he’s saving his workouts for his pro day. Still, the measurements plus his solid work on the bench press (32, tied for third-best among defensive linemen) should be a net positive for him.

It’s fair to wonder if Oliver will face some difficulties in adjusting to the NFL level after playing against slightly weaker competition at Houston. That said, he still has the tools needed to succeed at the next level, as his good first step and excellent instincts will give him a chance to be a playmaker.

For the Bills, adding Oliver would help continue to build up their defense under Sean McDermott. Oliver could play on the edge or at tackle depending on the package, and that versatility should add to his value for a Buffalo team that ranked 26th in the league in total sacks last season (36).