Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman has been enamored with the defensive line and pass rushers in this years NFL Draft, and the Birds will get an official up close and personal look at an Aaron Donald clone who could extend Fletcher Cox’s career. According to Mark Berman, Houston star defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, will have an official visit with the team.
Oliver is a known game wrecker who can play defensive tackle, defensive end and possibly linebacker. In three years at Houston, Oliver racked up 192 total tackles, 53 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 11 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles.
The questions about Oliver playing on the edge in the NFL came after dropping six pounds for his pro day Thursday, where he was clocked at 4.73 in the 40-yard dash and posted a short shuttle time of 4.22 and 7.15 three-cone time.
Oliver’s 4.19 short-shuttle time is on par with some other notable NFL greats:
4.18 – Antonio Brown
4.19 – DeSean Jackson
4.24 – Saquon Barkley
4.24 – Le’Veon Bell
4.25 – Julio Jones
4.39 – Aaron Donald
Only the top non-QB pick in April’s draft Nick Bosa — had a faster time in Indy, and only two EDGE rushers — Michigan’s Chase Winovich (4.11) and Eastern Michigan’s Maxx Crosby (4.13) — posted better short-shuttle times than Oliver.
Oliver has been compared to Aaron Donald, the Rams’ two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who posted a 4.68 40-yard-dash, 7.11 three-cone and 4.39-second short shuttle at the 2014 combine, before being drafted No. 13 overall.
With the Eagles and Howie Roseman stockpiling draft picks while focusing on building for the future via the selection process, Oliver could be a potential target to trade up for if he starts to fall.
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