Atlanta Falcons: With the 14th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft….
According to NFL Draft Reporter, Dave-Te’ Thomas and James Parks of 24/7 sports, the Atlanta Falcons may be considering moving up in the draft to get Houston Cougars’ Defensive Tackle, Ed Oliver.
The Atlanta Falcons have the 14th pick in the draft, but they could be looking to trade this pick for the Detroit Lions 8th pick. With the 8th pick, the Falcons would then select Ed Oliver.
Along with the reports of the Falcons trading up to get Oliver, there are also reports that Oliver and the Falcons will meet before the NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.
With these recent reports, assuming they have some truth behind them, it seems that it is becoming increasingly likely that the Atlanta Falcons will be selecting Oliver in the first round.
Originally, my opinions on Oliver were negative. He was lazy and had a bad attitude throughout his last season at Houston. However, after recent reports about his performance at Houston’s pro day, my opinions on him have changed. It seems like he has put all of that behind him and is now focusing only on the draft and his future.
At Houston’s pro day, he seemed like a different person. He looked determined and ready to prove that he is the best defensive tackle in the draft. He looked like the guy that everyone knew he could be. Oliver has great speed and an especially quick first step, as well as great technique.
Oliver was definitely impressive, but, as I mentioned in a post I wrote about a month ago, I still think that the Falcons should draft Christian Wilkins. Wilkins is an athletic freak with the numbers and resume to back up his high draft stock. I truly believe that Wilkins is the better player of the two. I think the Falcons would be making a mistake if they draft Oliver over Wilkins.
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However, if the Falcons do draft Oliver, I only wish for the best for him. I hope he has a great career and becomes a dominant force that, along side Grady Jarrett, transforms the Falcons defensive line into one of the best in the league.