Tampa Bay Buccaneers: First round options in 2019 NFL Draft

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 04: Ed Oliver #10 of the Houston Cougars celebrates after a tackle in the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at TDECU Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Ed Oliver, DL, Houston

If the Buccaneers are looking for the perfect reason to unload Gerald McCoy and his high salary cap hit, taking Ed Oliver is the way to go.

Yes, even a year after taking Vita Vea in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Oliver and Vea are completely different types of players, but together they could be a devastating duo for the Bucs.

Oliver is more in the mold of Geno Atkins/Aaron Donald with a compact frame packed with explosiveness, strength, and playmaking ability.

Oliver has been bred for the pro game from a young age, and three year of college were merely a formality for him. He’s a wrecking ball on the defensive interior and could wind up being a steal even with the fifth overall pick.

Both Donald and Atkins were under-drafted given their production in the league. After watching Oliver blow up his pro day, there’s no doubt he’s solidified himself as a top five talent in this class.

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