2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after Week 8
By Dana Becker
DT. Houston. Ed Oliver. 2. player. 46.
After 38.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks during his first two seasons, most viewed Ed Oliver as a can’t-miss-prospect. But the Houston junior has received some negative attention over his junior season, which could just be a case of giving scouts and “know-it-alls” too much film to break down.
Either way, the Colts find themselves as the lucky recipients of his talent, as the All-American and reigning 2017 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year has all the skills to make an immediate impact.
Oliver has already surpassed the double-digit mark for tackles for loss this season, pushing his total over 50 for his career. At 6-foot-3 and 292 pounds, he has plenty of size to line up at tackle, but has shown an impressive amount of athletic ability that could allow Indianapolis to put him at end or even run some 3-4 formations. Oliver has defended 10 passes from his spot along the interior of the defensive line over three seasons.
The Colts showed their smarts last year by adding Notre Dame standout Quenton Nelson to the offensive line. Now, they get Oliver on the other side to pair with the likes of Margus Hunt, Al Woods, Anthony Walker and Malik Hooker to form the defense.