NFL Draft Profile: Defensive Tackle Ed Oliver of Houston

Today we take a closer look at one of the top rated defensive tackles Ed Oliver and see if he is a fit for the 49ers should the team trade down from the second overall pick.

Greetings Faithful! Happy draft weekend! We have finally arrived at the doorsteps of the 2019 NFL Draft! We will finally get all of our questions answered and see who will become the newest members of the San Francisco 49ers. Currently the 49ers own the second overall pick. Who will they select at number two? Will they trade down? Will they trade down more than once? The possibilities are endless, and of course…anything and everything is fair game once the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock.

Way back when I started coverage for the 2019 NFL Draft the first prospect I discussed was Ed Oliver. I thought it would only be fitting if Oliver was the last scouting report I produced before the clock started ticking later this evening. Ed Oliver is a monster and if there wasn’t someone named Quinnen Williams in this draft class, Oliver might be a top 3 lock…Who knows, he still might. Now, what if the 49ers trade down a few spots and have their sights set on Oliver? Let’s take a closer look and see how Oliver can be a great fit along the 49ers defensive line.

Combine Results:

40 Time: 4.73 (Pro Day)
Bench Press: 32 Reps
Vertical Jump: 36.0”
Broad Jumps: 120.0”
Short Shuttle: 4.22 (Pro Day)
3 Cone Drill: 7.15 (Pro Day)

Measurables:

Height: 6”2”
Weight: 287 lbs.
Hands: 9 1/4”
Arms: 31 ¾”

Summary:

Ed Oliver was an absolute force on the Cougars defensive line in 2018. No other lineman dealt with more double team and even triple team coverages than Oliver. Oliver does an incredible job winning the first contact.

Oliver is explosive when making contact with blockers. Will fight and play through gaps at an elite level. Oliver has a high motor and is explosive off the ball. Has exceptional flexibility and is constantly creating disruption and chaos in the opponent’s backfield.

Is able to follow through tight angles, while twisting his body and adjust his frame when rushing the passer. Many times, Oliver was fighting through initial contact with ease against blockers along the line of scrimmage.

Breaks up plays well with his hands, throwing up his arms in passing lanes. Oliver has a natural blend of speed and power up the middle. Because of all the attention he requires, Oliver creates positive opportunities for his teammates along the line. I expect this will continue for Oliver when he settles at the pro level. Oliver has a bright future in the NFL and I’ll be shocked if he slips outside the top ten.

Is Ed Oliver a fit for the San Francisco 49ers?

John Glaser-USA TODAY Sports

Without a doubt Oliver is a fit for the 49ers. Oliver has all the tools and traits you can ask for from an interior defensive lineman. His explosive playmaking and quickness off the line are rare and jaw-dropping to watch. Yes, his sack level dropped this past season, but I suppose we can credit the double and triple coverage teams put on Oliver all season long. Even with all that extra coverage, Oliver still recorded 53 tackles for a loss in just three seasons. As I mentioned last week with Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver would form a dynamic two-headed monster with DeForest Buckner within the interior of the defensive line. In other words, they will cause many fits and headaches for offensive linemen and keep them on their toes. The more I study and watch Oliver the more he reminds me of Aaron Donald. Oliver is a week one, three-down starter at the next level. If the 49ers trade down a few spots keep a close eye on Ed Oliver as the potential pick for the team. What the team will get is a day one playmaker along the defensive line along with additional draft capital via the trade down. It very well could be the win-win scenario that John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have up their sleeves.

What are YOUR thoughts on Ed Oliver? If the San Francisco 49ers trade down to Oliver’s range would you select him? Please share in the comments below!

On one final note, as always, I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read my articles and shares their thoughts and feedback in the comments below! It is an honor and privilege to write for our site, and I greatly appreciate all of your support! If you enjoy my articles and haven’t already please give me a follow on twitter! You can find my twitter handle above! Here’s to a successful draft for our San Francisco 49ers! I am looking forward to bringing you all the coverage you need for the 2020 NFL Draft prospects! Once again, a big THANK YOU to you all!