2019 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks rising in first round of NFL Draft
By Phil Poling
48. . Defensive Line. Houston Cougars. Ed Oliver. 5. player
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have undergone a coaching change, implementing Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles as their new head coach and defensive coordinator. In selecting Houston’s Ed Oliver at No. 5, they’ll add a cornerstone to their defense for the new regime.
MORE: Ed Oliver | NFL Draft Profile
Prior to the 2018 season, Oliver was a near top-10 lock. But after a knee injury that lingered throughout the season, his production wasn’t anywhere close to his American Defensive Player of the Year season in 2017.
Oliver’s biggest asset is his athleticism, but his body type isn’t ideal for a defensive tackle. He’s only 6-foot-2 and doesn’t possess great length to fight off blockers, thus relying on his quick-twitch to win.
Tampa Bay is reportedly shopping longtime defensive stalwart Gerald McCoy. Could Oliver be the six-time Pro Bowler’s replacement? If not, learning under McCoy would certainly give Oliver a leg up on his peers.