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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Top 2019 candidate in each division

By Michael Johnson

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

AFC East: Ed Oliver, DT, Buffalo Bills

This was an easy decision, considering the talent the Buffalo Bills have along the defensive line.   Ed Oliver will play next to Harrison Phillips while Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes rush from the edge. No, these aren’t household names, but they are a group of tenacious, blue-collar players. Oliver is an ideal three-technique. He’ll bring a dynamic pass rusher they currently don’t have on the interior.

Although he’s a little smaller, he shares similarities with former Defensive Rookies of the Year Aaron Donald (Rams) and Geno Atkins (Bengals). All three players share the trait of being exceptionally athletic in light of their lack of size for a traditional defensive tackle.

What Leslie Frazier will do is put him in a position to dominate. Frazier utilizes a scheme that exploits the A-gap. Oliver’s athletic prowess makes him a great gadget rusher. On downs where Frazier wants to load up, he can use Oliver outside or in a standing position. Oliver will get plenty of opportunities thanks to the Bills schedule.

Half of the Buffalo schedule is filled with teams with questions at quarterback. Whether it’s youth, surrounding talent or guys who just aren’t good. The teams at hand are the Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, Giants, Broncos, Redskins and Ravens.

Frazier has a great weapon in Oliver and Oliver a great coach in Frazier — a match made in heaven.

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