Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 players to keep an eye on at the fifth pick

Ed Oliver

One of the hardest players to place in this year’s draft is Houston superstar Ed Oliver. Before the 2018 season, it seemed like Oliver was a top-five prospect. However, after a knee injury, weird conflict with Major Applewhite, and concerns that he may be too small, Oliver’s stock seems to have taken a hit.

However, this seems like a classic case of overthinking a prospect as his tape and the testing that he did perform at the combine still suggest that he is an elite prospect. With the rumors swirling around Gerald McCoy and his future in Tampa Bay, the Bucs could potentially be looking to draft his heir apparent; what a replacement Oliver would be.

Again, it is a mystery where Oliver may fall in the draft. The Bucs may have to take him as the fifth overall pick in the draft or he could potentially be available still if the team traded down. However, if Oliver completes all of the drills during his pro day and puts on a show, expect his draft stock to shoot back through the roof.

If the Bucs find themselves with the fifth pick and other elite defensive players are taken, Oliver is absolutely in play for them. Keep an eye on his pro day to see how it impacts his draft stock.