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Houston’s Ed Oliver declares for 2019 NFL Draft

By Brad Berreman

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 28: Ed Oliver (10) of Houston rushes the passer during the game between the Houston Cougars and the USF Bulls on October 28, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 28: Ed Oliver (10) of Houston rushes the passer during the game between the Houston Cougars and the USF Bulls on October 28, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Ed Oliver would be a first-round pick in this year’s draft if he were eligible, but he’s getting a jump on things for 2019 by declaring his intentions.

Coming off winning the Outland Trophy as the best lineman in college football last season, Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver would surely be a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. But since he was only a true sophomore, he has wait at least one more year before going pro. According to the Houston Chronicle, Oliver intends to do exactly that minimum with a very early declaration for the 2019 draft.

“I do plan on leaving,” “I wish I could stay another year, but it’s my time to go.”

“This was a dream of mine coming in,” Oliver said. “I knew I was going on a business trip, and whether my business trip was three years or four years it just depend on how early I got on the field and how effective I was.”

Oliver was a five-star recruit out of Houston in the 2016 class, and he was the first recruit in the ESPN 300 to choose a school outside the Power 5 conferences. He has 39.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks over his two collegiate seasons, was a consensus Freshman All-American in 2016 and became the first underclassmen to win the Outland Trophy in the 70-year history of the award in 2017.

Oliver’s characterization of whatever time he was going to spend playing college football as a “business trip” is atypically candid, and as interesting as it is not surprising. He could make a similar business decision and sit out next season in order to avoid serious injury, and no one would really blame him. But that does not appear to be on his mind, with aspirations to be in the mix for another major award.

“I want to compete for the Heisman,” Oliver said. “There’s a lot on my plate I want to achieve.”

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Oliver’s early declaration he’ll go pro is assertive and will help avoid speculation throughout his junior season, but despite sentiment otherwise it’s not yet official. Circumstances can change, but NFL teams can prepare to scout Oliver next season with no doubt about his intentions.

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