Ed Oliver’s 2024 Buffalo Bills Stats Projection

When defensive tackle Ed Oliver was selected 9th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, there were hopes that he would be their version of Aaron Donald. Drafted out of the University of Houston, Oliver was slotted into the middle of Buffalo’s defense to create a pass rush inside while also helping stop the run. Over the first four seasons of his career, Oliver had his ups and downs in terms of consistency. However, he didn’t miss a game in the first three years of his career.

Last offseason, Oliver got a four-year, $68 million extension from the Bills. At the time, it was a big, questionable move for Brandon Beane, given that Oliver had not lived up to the lofty expectations up to that point in his career. Ultimately, Beane made the right call in extending Oliver when he did, because at this point, Oliver’s contract is a bargain, considering what other defensive tackles have signed and Oliver’s production last season.

Oliver set career highs in tackles (51) and sacks (9.5). He even recorded his first interception. Keep in mind that Oliver didn’t have DaQuan Jones by his side for most of the season.

As it stands, Oliver is over his contract and will have to maintain it in 2024 and beyond. With Jones returning to the defensive line and DeWayne Carter starting his career in Buffalo as a rotation player, Oliver has the opportunity to grow his game without having to be on the field more than necessary.

Under new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, Oliver will be an exciting player to watch. Babich has shown he can develop players like Terrel Bernard and even help Matt Milano achieve First Team All-Pro status. Oliver has the potential to make his first Pro Bowl appearance, or even earn All-Pro honors.