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While no breakout player for the Bills in 2021 will hit the level of importance that Josh Allen gave the team last season… such players always good to have.
The Athletic recently picked one player that will do so for all 32 NFL teams this upcoming season. The Bills do still have plenty of youthful talents that could reach stardom in 2021, but the pick was defensive tackle Ed Oliver:
The Bills are bringing back a similar roster to the one they had a year ago, so they could benefit from a breakout season or two from some of their younger players. Cornerback Dane Jackson, tight end Dawson Knox, running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss and wide receiver Gabriel Davis are all candidates. But when I think of a player capable of a breakout that the league notices, defensive lineman Ed Oliver comes to mind. He’s flashed dominant stretches of play during his first two seasons, but the consistent production hasn’t always been there. If Oliver can put it all together, that would be a massive boost to a pass rush that could use it. — Matthew Fairburn
Oliver entered the NFL and came to the Bills with some high expectations. The No. 9 overall pick in 2019, Oliver was dubbed to be an Aaron Donald-type player.
Donald, a game-changing disrupter in the middle of the field, might be a bar that’s a bit unfair. He’s a generational talent.
Still, there is certainly reason to believe Oliver can “breakout” next season.
As an interior defender in the trenches, much of what Oliver does goes unnoticed unless he’s bringing down an opposing quarterback. Bills general manager Brandon Beane referenced that earlier this offseason when saying he thought Oliver already had a pretty good campaign in 2020.
If one believes Oliver might truly have that next-level year in 2021, it might actually have to do with another player: Star Lotulelei. Known as a “space eater” in the middle of the Bills’ defensive line, Lotulelei makes life easier for those around him. That includes Oliver… who does line up literally right next to Lotulelei on most plays.
Lotulelei already confirmed he’ll be back with Buffalo in 2021 after opting out last season due to COVID-19. Oliver will be happy about that.
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