Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans NFL Week 5: Top rookies to watch
Ed Oliver, DT, Bills
Ed Oliver was the Bills first-round pick, ninth overall, in the 2019 NFL draft and experts compared him to Aaron Donald during pre-draft talks. I don’t think he is on Donald’s level but he will be a stud player in the NFL.
Through four games, he has only had five tackles but I expect him to play a bigger role moving forward. Oliver has seen more playing time with the injury to Harrison Phillips that has placed him on IR and will likely play the rest of the year next to Star Lotulelei.
In this game against the Titans, Oliver should be matched up against left guard Roger Saffold. Saffold has struggled in man-to-man pass blocking all season long and opposing defenses have been able to capitalize with getting to the quarterback.
I believe this matchup for Oliver works well in his favor and should see him get into the backfield and create chaos for Mariota all game long.
Devin Singletary, RB, Bills
Devin Singletary has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, but he should be ready to play against the Titans. The Bills third-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft who has gotten the nickname “motor” has been productive in the two games we have seen him play in.
The rookie running back has 10 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown. He is averaging an astounding 12.7 yards per carry and is someone I will watch for Sunday afternoon to find a hole and make the Titans defense pay.
He will be splitting carries with veteran Frank Gore, but the Bills will look to rely on running the ball more if Josh Allen does not suit up at quarterback.
Dawson Knox, TE, Bills
Dawson Knox was also a third-round pick by the Bills in this year’s NFL draft and has emerged as a top target for Josh Allen early this season. At the start of the season, he was listed as the third tight end on the depth chart but quickly has moved into the second spot.
With starting tight end Tyler Kroft missing time this year, it has led to Knox seeing the field more and he has capitalized on the opportunity. Knox has eight receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown to start the season.
Whether Allen or Matt Barkley start at quarterback on Sunday, look for Knox to be involved in the passing game to help the Bills offense move down the field. One thing is for sure, Knox is going to want to have a big game as he’s from Tennessee and this is his first time he can showcase his skills in front of his family in attendance.