Draft day one is in the books and the entire NFL media community offered their opinions on first night of action from Nashville.
Here's what they're saying about the Bills heading into day two of the draft.
Grade = A
I thought he was misused at Houston. I think this kid is going to be special at the next level. He is not Aaron Donald, I don't like that comparison. He plays a lot like John Randle and Randle was a Hall of Famer. This kid is going to be a good player for Buffalo.
Grade = A+
Another huge steal, and a perfect blend of need and value. While some will question his lack of ideal size, Oliver's rare athleticism and explosiveness are reminiscent of Aaron Donald. He's a top-three prospect in this class, and a perfect fit to replace Kyle Williams.
Grade = A+
It took an unreasonable agent, a reach on a quarterback and a mediocre top-eight pick used on a tight end, but the Bills won the draft. Congrats, Buffalo! Oliver could end up being the best player from this entire class. He's drawn Aaron Donald comparisons for a reason, and he'll be a great replacement for Kyle Williams. Buffalo wanted to trade up for Oliver, yet didn't have to at all. This is an easy A+ grade.
Grade = A
The Bills decided not to trade up for Quinnen Williams and their patience paid off. Ed Oliver is unblockable and would have gone in the top-five if he hadn't played out of position at Houston. Oliver is a 3-technique through and through but was forced to play nose tackle because of the Cougars' personnel limitations. He's rocket fast off the line and has strong, active hands. He's not quite Aaron Donald — who is? — but he'll make a similar impact at times.
Grade = A
Strengths: Explosiveness, relentlessness
… Oliver has the upside of a Justin Tuck—or even a John Randle—if he's paired with a true nose tackle and allowed to shoot gaps.
Oliver fills the void left by Kyle Williams' retirement. The Bills have Star Lotulelei and other wide bodies to eat up blocks for him. Oliver is going to set a tone, and he should upgrade a defense that was already pretty good.
Grade = B
Sean McDermott will find different ways to use the quick and versatile Oliver up front in his 4-3 scheme. Again, he was best player on the board.
Grade = A+
This pick makes all kinds of sense. The Bills lost defensive line stalwart Kyle Williams to retirement in December, but get an explosive, dynamic replacement here. The former Houston star has rare athleticism and plays with a low center of gravity, exploding into opposing linemen to quickly establish leverage and put them on their heels. He's got the speed to shoot gaps and penetrate the pocket and shows extraordinary awareness, consistently chasing plays down from the backside, sniffing out screens, or getting his hands up to knock down throws.
Photos of the Buffalo Bills on the scene at the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville. Bills draft coverage is presented by ECMC.
