2019 NFL Draft: Browns “way-too-early” options plentiful
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
If you are involved with the NFL Draft community, you have almost certainly heard the name Ed Oliver before. If you know the name, you know that Oliver, Houston’s star defensive tackle, has a very good chance to go No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
But, let’s suppose for a second that the board falls very favorably for the Browns. Should Cleveland have the No. 2 overall selection, and perhaps Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson goes No. 1, Oliver is right there for the Browns.
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Either Oliver or Dexter Lawrence could complete the Browns’ studly defensive line, but they are two totally different animals. In contrast to the brutish Lawrence, Oliver is simply an athletic freak of nature running rampant through college football.
At 6-foot-3 and 291 pounds of pure muscle, Oliver is a physical specimen of the defensive tackle position. Previously, Daniel Jeremiah compared Oliver to the Rams’ Aaron Donald, a resounding endorsement for the young defensive tackle.
Oliver’s finesse game is unmatched, as he has incredible technique to go along with his freakish size and athleticism. It’s safe to say that besides Donald, they really don’t make defensive tackles in the way that they made Oliver.
Oliver creates a speed and power rush combination unlike any other defender in the class. As an early favorite to go No. 1, it seems like he will be gone by the time Cleveland picks. But, a team can dream. Oliver to the Browns at No. 2 would certainly be one of those dreams.