Some more Ed Oliver titbits

[billspro]

55 minutes ago, meh said:

I don't see what all the fuss is over EO's weight.  People though Aaron Maybin was too light too and just look at his dominance.

 

Unfortunately Maybin was not a elite athlete. Below average NFL athlete and small is not a good combo.  

[Punching Bag]

13 hours ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Damn, he's getting held and triple teamed and still manages to get good pressure.

 

Good prep work for Bills getting held and making plays anyways.

[John from Riverside]

3 hours ago, meh said:

I don't see what all the fuss is over EO's weight.  People though Aaron Maybin was too light too and just look at his dominance.

Thank you for your contribution

[mrags]

13 hours ago, aristocrat said:

 

dont you think donald bulked up as well? most guys do

Donald consistently plays at 285. Where as Oliver played about 15lbs less. He bulked up to 285 for combine purposes. Then started to slim down again. 

 

Nobody is saying that it cannot be done. But comparing Oliver to Donald is just plain stupid. Donald is the exception, not the rule. He was looked at as undersized by everyone as well. U til he started dominating. Nobody is saying Oliver can’t be that. But at 285lbs or less as a DT in the Nfl, the odds are against him. 

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

15 hours ago, Joe in Winslow said:

 

AAC =/= NFL.

 

Know what I mean?

 

 

(Edit) TL;DR version: you're lazy, I'm not

 

When I see comments from media that say Ed is the "most likely to bust", it must be this train of thought, as well as the size factor. It's lazy, but it's kind of a "common sense", connect the dots mentality, similar to what goes on with mock drafts IMO. Its simply just trying to use perceived logic based on the data available in order to predict the future. But as we all know with mock drafts, that line of thinking, more often than not, leads to a false prediction. But hey, it can can get you a click or two...

 

In Oliver's case, his main knocks are his size (based on general perception of NFL DT size), and the fact that he didn't play against a ton of top tier college linemen. Aaron Donald has proven that size isn't everything at DT (but lets face it, he is the exception to the rule). Same with John Randall (a player that's probably more comparable with Oliver). But what doesn't seem to be talked about much by the "outside" media, or at least the few Oliver critics, is what's going on "upstairs".

 

John Randall is a HoFer, not just because of his physical talents, despite his size, but also because of his mental make-up. That's what seperated him from the rest, and it's not something that every great prospect has. A guy like Marcel Dareus has all the talent in the world for a man that size, and could have been one of the best DTs ever, but doesn't have what it takes upstairs to be great, to seperate himself from the rest...he is the rest now.

 

Ed Oliver certainly seems to have the kind of head on his shoulders that you want in a player, to accompany that kind of talent. He knows and has publicly acknowledged the fact that he hasn't faced the best of the best, week in, week out, but is excited for the challenge. He has a very family oriented, hard working background. And when wacthing him play, his effort and relentlessness is undeniable. Aside from all of that, since being drafted, us Bills fans have taken notice to his mental make-up, and how genuine it is, whether it's his demeanor on draft day, to visiting Pancho in hospice (and still wearing the rubber bracelet he was given), or talking about his horses. He's a good dude! There was some question about his character because of the one small public issue with his coach, but I'm pretty sure that's been washed away for us by his actions since (and by the coach himself). 

 

I guess we'll all have to truly wait and see with Oliver, but I'm quite confident that he'll do just fine. Maybe he struggles a bit at times early in his career, or in certain situations throughout his career, but I have a hard time seeing him busting. Maybe he doesn't become a "John Randall", or even an "Aaron Donald" in the end, but I don't care what college you went to or what conference or level of competition...any player that plays out of his natural position and pushes the pocket with three guys trying to block you (one holding you), or consistently beating double teams, is on another level. Landing him at 9 is an absolute STEAL. 

 

***And since I mentioned a former Alabama defensive tackle already, I'd like to say that I'm not sold on Quinnen Williams, not because I don't think he's a good player, but because I'm weary of players who may have plateaued a bit under a great college coach. He did play against some of the best in the country, but he also played for and alongside the best in the country. I'm not knocking the kid for it, but I'm sure his play did benefit from that to some extent. We're all a product of our environment. He, too, was drafted at 3, but I don't know if he'll quite live up to that status. Granted, he'll be playing next to a stud DT for the time being, but I just don't know how much better he'll become as a pro, and he may be near his ceiling already. 

 

I know there have been a few really good or great players from Alabama to play in the NFL since Saban took over, but there just seems to be many more players in that time that never lived up to their draft status, with a few busts sprinkled in. Perhaps there's a mental aspect to it that plays a role, from an overall program standpoint (the plateau idea), to an individual player's mental make-up standpoint. A lot of these high recruit guys come from rough backgrounds. To play for Alabama, you can't be a complete malcontent, but your head probably blows up a bit. And once you get to the NFL and get paid, it could be hard to handle and stay focused on being a great player (Marcel). I don't know enough about Williams to pass judgement, and maybe he has a few good years like Dareus did, but anyone that blesses themsleves in 3rd person on the mic during their first interview after being drafted may have some of that going on...call it strike one from me.

Edited May 25, 2019 by Drunken Pygmy Goat

[Turk71]

"Oliver might be the biggest boom-or-bust candidate in this entire class. His athleticism has warranted some scouts to compare him to Aaron Donald, but Oliver is even more undersized than Donald was, as his playing weight was reportedly under 285 pounds. Because of that lack of size, some have called for Oliver to switch to linebacker. 

In the right scheme — where he can play nose tackle in a three-technique — Oliver could become an All-Pro. Teams may also discover this fall that he is a major project who has to switch positions if he can’t handle NFL-sized offensive linemen. "

----------------     -----------------      -----------------------

This is the yardbarker.com quote in the OP.

   These guys are full of crap. At the combine Donald was 6'1" 285, Oliver was 6'2" 287 and somehow Oliver is even more undersized than Donald? The authors brain must be undersized. 

  Oliver was also quicker, jumped higher and further, and did just 3 less reps on the bench. 32 to Donalds 35. 

[Thurman#1]

17 hours ago, Mark Vader said:

They say that, because Aaron Donald has proven himself in the NFL.

 

 

Yeah, thing is ... before Aaron Donald proved himself in the NFL ... they said the same things they're now saying about Oliver.

 

Nobody's saying Oliver has proven himself in the NFL. What they are saying is that it has been proven - flat-out proven in several cases such as Randle, Donald and Ratliff - smaller guys who are very athletic can play Interior DL in the NFL and do very very well indeed. So the guys pretending to know that Oliver will get dominated because of his size are not even coming close to proving their cases.

[aristocrat]

4 hours ago, mrags said:

Donald consistently plays at 285. Where as Oliver played about 15lbs less. He bulked up to 285 for combine purposes. Then started to slim down again. 

 

Nobody is saying that it cannot be done. But comparing Oliver to Donald is just plain stupid. Donald is the exception, not the rule. He was looked at as undersized by everyone as well. U til he started dominating. Nobody is saying Oliver can’t be that. But at 285lbs or less as a DT in the Nfl, the odds are against him. 

 

With the bills he will have a legit meal plan and trainers. He didn’t have that at Houston.  It will be much easier to Manage 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

17 hours ago, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

most likely to bust...Ed Oliver, defensive tackle, Houston...yeah okay dave holcomb, I'll really take your word for it...yardbarker, LOL

 

 

The ‘bust’ awards are usually handed out after the third game of the season, right?  ?

Sounds about right for these football pundits.

[cle23]

37 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

 

With the bills he will have a legit meal plan and trainers. He didn’t have that at Houston.  It will be much easier to Manage 

 

I guarantee you he had that a Houston. D1 football programs have meal plans and trainers, and good ones.

[aristocrat]

5 minutes ago, cle23 said:

 

I guarantee you he had that a Houston. D1 football programs have meal plans and trainers, and good ones.

Not like you’d think

[cle23]

33 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

Not like you’d think

 

You have 1st hand knowledge of Houston's meal and training programs?

[Royale with Cheese]

39 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

Not like you’d think

 

I played college baseball for a mid major 20 years ago and I had meal plans and trainers.

 

[aristocrat]

40 minutes ago, cle23 said:

 

You have 1st hand knowledge of Houston's meal and training programs?

 

Do you think it’s on par with the bills? And won’t he have more time to concentrate on it? 

[thebandit27]

3 hours ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Yeah, thing is ... before Aaron Donald proved himself in the NFL ... they said the same things they're now saying about Oliver.

 

Nobody's saying Oliver has proven himself in the NFL. What they are saying is that it has been proven - flat-out proven in several cases such as Randle, Donald and Ratliff - smaller guys who are very athletic can play Interior DL in the NFL and do very very well indeed. So the guys pretending to know that Oliver will get dominated because of his size are not even coming close to proving their cases.

 

People really need to go back and read Donald's draft profile from NFL.com.

 

Though some of us said we'd love to have him at 9th overall in 2014, he was hardly a consensus elite prospect.

 

@K-9 posted it in another thread, and the revisionism about Donald's projection is pretty strong 

[MJS]

19 hours ago, VW82 said:

I remain terrified of this pick, and expect Oliver to have a rough transition to the NFL much like Edmunds did at times. I also thought Edmunds might have to change positions and those guys scare me. OTOH in two years it’s possible we have the best 3T/MLB combo in the NFL. 

 

I’d be more skeptical if it wasn’t McBeane taking/developing them.

Edmunds was great. Not sure how anyone could have expected more from him in his rookie season playing a new position.

[GimmeSomeProcess]

22 hours ago, Joe in Winslow said:

 

That third one is my worry. NFL guards are just going to decimate the guy. He's REALLY light.

Sure on run plays but in pass plays good luck, his get off is so incredible. You can’t block what you can’t touch. 

[Thurman#1]

3 hours ago, mrags said:

Donald consistently plays at 285. Where as Oliver played about 15lbs less. He bulked up to 285 for combine purposes. Then started to slim down again. 

 

Nobody is saying that it cannot be done. But comparing Oliver to Donald is just plain stupid. Donald is the exception, not the rule. He was looked at as undersized by everyone as well. U til he started dominating. Nobody is saying Oliver can’t be that. But at 285lbs or less as a DT in the Nfl, the odds are against him. 

 

 

Yes, Donald is the exception not the rule. But there have been others, such as Ratliff and Randle. Yeah, you have to be very very athletic and very strong to do it. But Oliver is.

 

Yeah, he'll have to prove it. But there's a reason he went in the top ten. He's got a good chance.

[formerlyofCtown]

22 hours ago, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

most likely to bust...Ed Oliver, defensive tackle, Houston...yeah okay dave holcomb, I'll really take your word for it...yardbarker, LOL

 

 

Maybe he meant Canton.

[Augie]

If Oliver bulked up for the Combine, he didn’t let it slow him down! His quicks be freaky! 

[formerlyofCtown]

13 hours ago, Augie said:

 

I agree, but he has to prove he can handle the role if they make him a bullseye and just run right at him. I think with his quickness he will (hopefully) be able to disrupt what goes right at him, because I think he’ll chase down a LOT of what goes away from him. (But I’m the optimistic type! ?) 

Then hopefully our oversized MLB splatters the RB.

[Doc]

5 minutes ago, Augie said:

If Oliver bulked up for the Combine, he didn’t let it slow him down! His quicks be freaky! 

 

Yeah.  At 2# heavier, he bested Donald in everything but the bench.  But he put up 32 and 3 off of Donald isn't much.  He's plenty strong and t's not like they'll be bench-pressing players.

[thebandit27]

14 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Yeah.  At 2# heavier, he bested Donald in everything but the bench.  But he put up 32 and 3 off of Donald isn't much.  He's plenty strong and t's not like they'll be bench-pressing players.

 

When considering the bench number, it's important to take arm length into account. Shorter arms are a distinct advantage in the bench, so Oliver's number should be higher than Donald's if their functional strength were equal (since his arms are 3/4" shorter). 

 

So there's probably a bit more of a gap in functional strength between the two players, but keep in mind that Donald was a year and a half older than Oliver when he went through testing, and that can make a big difference for a guy that young.

[mrags]

13 hours ago, aristocrat said:

 

With the bills he will have a legit meal plan and trainers. He didn’t have that at Houston.  It will be much easier to Manage 

If you say so 

[freddyjj]

Some More Ed Oliver Titbits 

Here's an oldie but goodie. 

 

https://www.usatoday.com/videos/life/2019/02/01/its-been-15-years-since-janet-jacksons-wardrobe-malfunction/38988039/

 

Edited May 26, 2019 by freddyjj

[JaCrispy]

On 5/24/2019 at 12:23 PM, DaBillsFanSince1973 said:

most likely to bust...Ed Oliver, defensive tackle, Houston...yeah okay dave holcomb, I'll really take your word for it...yardbarker, LOL

 

 

I don’t think Ed Oliver could bust if he tried....dude just plays on fire, with the heart of a lion...guys like that simply will themselves to win at all cost.

[Doc]

On 5/25/2019 at 2:01 AM, mrags said:

Donald consistently plays at 285. Where as Oliver played about 15lbs less. He bulked up to 285 for combine purposes. Then started to slim down again. 

 

Nobody is saying that it cannot be done. But comparing Oliver to Donald is just plain stupid. Donald is the exception, not the rule. He was looked at as undersized by everyone as well. U til he started dominating. Nobody is saying Oliver can’t be that. But at 285lbs or less as a DT in the Nfl, the odds are against him. 

 

How does anyone know at what weight Oliver played at (in his senior year at least)?  He's listed at 292# on the Houston Cougar website, which is obviously high, and listed at 287#, which was his Combine weight, on the Bills' roster.

[mrags]

7 hours ago, Doc said:

 

How does anyone know at what weight Oliver played at (in his senior year at least)?  He's listed at 292# on the Houston Cougar website, which is obviously high, and listed at 287#, which was his Combine weight, on the Bills' roster.

Because I’m a paid observer and I know that he doesn’t weigh 292

[Doc]

21 minutes ago, mrags said:

Because I’m a paid observer and I know that he doesn’t weigh 292

 

I agreed that he didn't weight 292#.  But your answer would be "from observation"?

Edited May 26, 2019 by Doc

[mrags]

2 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

I agreed that he didn't weight 292#.  But your answer would be from observation?

If we can agree that he didn’t weigh 292# then we can agree they falsified his weight throughout his college career. If that’s the case I can’t take 285# seriously either. 

 

He weighed in at 285 for the combine and I would bet my measly state paycheck that he “bulked up” for the combine. That he didn’t play near that. It’s been my belief the whole time that he’s undersized. He’s not even close to what Donald looks like in a uniform. Which tells me he’s more like 275 or maybe under. 

 

For those that think 10-20lbs doesn’t mean a lot when your talking about offensive or defensive line play, your wrong. It does. Again, we’ve argued this over and over again, that doesn’t mean that can’t be, or won’t be good. It’s possible. There’s always Aaron Donald who proves that. But that is the exception, and not the rule. For every 1 Aaron Donald, there are 900 nobody’s that are out of the league in less than 2-3 years because they couldn’t ever step up to the pro game. 

 

I really hope im wrong. I want to be wrong. I’m routing for Oliver. I want him to be dominant. I will cheer for him when he makes big plays, And I won’t rub it in if he can’t take that step. But this is my opinion on it and that won’t change. I’m not going to say I said so if everyone else is wrong and I’m right. I’ll be upset just like everyone else that he didn’t make it. But I won’t make excuses for him. He was a top 10 pick and he’s supposed to be a very good player at the very least. I expect that. 

[3rdand12]

On 5/24/2019 at 11:33 AM, BillsFan17 said:

Its funny, that we still use measurables to translate success. Yes, you want the athletics to mesh with off the chart measurables... however, we have seen the league transition and have seen all types of players flourish.

 

I mean, Aaron Donald was undersized for his position when drafted, until he wasnt because of his dominant play. 

 

End of the day, quality players will shine regardless.

all about the Coaches in these matters.
Have to put him in the best place to succeed . One thing about Oliver is i think you can move him around.

 

[Augie]

On 5/25/2019 at 11:05 AM, formerlyofCtown said:

Then hopefully our oversized MLB splatters the RB.

 

I’m all for that! He seems more of an arm tackler than a splatterer so far, but those long arms seem to knock a lot of balls loose. Hope to see him light some guys up next year. LOVE his upside! 

[John from Riverside]

18 minutes ago, mrags said:

If we can agree that he didn’t weigh 292# then we can agree they falsified his weight throughout his college career. If that’s the case I can’t take 285# seriously either. 

 

He weighed in at 285 for the combine and I would bet my measly state paycheck that he “bulked up” for the combine. That he didn’t play near that. It’s been my belief the whole time that he’s undersized. He’s not even close to what Donald looks like in a uniform. Which tells me he’s more like 275 or maybe under. 

 

For those that think 10-20lbs doesn’t mean a lot when your talking about offensive or defensive line play, your wrong. It does. Again, we’ve argued this over and over again, that doesn’t mean that can’t be, or won’t be good. It’s possible. There’s always Aaron Donald who proves that. But that is the exception, and not the rule. For every 1 Aaron Donald, there are 900 nobody’s that are out of the league in less than 2-3 years because they couldn’t ever step up to the pro game. 

 

I really hope im wrong. I want to be wrong. I’m routing for Oliver. I want him to be dominant. I will cheer for him when he makes big plays, And I won’t rub it in if he can’t take that step. But this is my opinion on it and that won’t change. I’m not going to say I said so if everyone else is wrong and I’m right. I’ll be upset just like everyone else that he didn’t make it. But I won’t make excuses for him. He was a top 10 pick and he’s supposed to be a very good player at the very least. I expect that. 

If he is doing it then so is Aaron Donald

[LSHMEAB]

46 minutes ago, mrags said:

If we can agree that he didn’t weigh 292# then we can agree they falsified his weight throughout his college career. If that’s the case I can’t take 285# seriously either. 

 

He weighed in at 285 for the combine and I would bet my measly state paycheck that he “bulked up” for the combine. That he didn’t play near that. It’s been my belief the whole time that he’s undersized. He’s not even close to what Donald looks like in a uniform. Which tells me he’s more like 275 or maybe under. 

 

For those that think 10-20lbs doesn’t mean a lot when your talking about offensive or defensive line play, your wrong. It does. Again, we’ve argued this over and over again, that doesn’t mean that can’t be, or won’t be good. It’s possible. There’s always Aaron Donald who proves that. But that is the exception, and not the rule. For every 1 Aaron Donald, there are 900 nobody’s that are out of the league in less than 2-3 years because they couldn’t ever step up to the pro game. 

 

I really hope im wrong. I want to be wrong. I’m routing for Oliver. I want him to be dominant. I will cheer for him when he makes big plays, And I won’t rub it in if he can’t take that step. But this is my opinion on it and that won’t change. I’m not going to say I said so if everyone else is wrong and I’m right. I’ll be upset just like everyone else that he didn’t make it. But I won’t make excuses for him. He was a top 10 pick and he’s supposed to be a very good player at the very least. I expect that. 

John Randle played DT at 6'1 247. While players have gotten much bigger since the 1990's, I'd say 275 is still > than 247. EO could be John Randle or a complete BUST, but it seems silly to summarily dismiss the guy based on his weight.

[3rdand12]

On 5/25/2019 at 11:05 AM, formerlyofCtown said:

Then hopefully our oversized MLB splatters the RB.

I think that is the plan      :  )

[Doc]

2 minutes ago, mrags said:

If we can agree that he didn’t weigh 292# then we can agree they falsified his weight throughout his college career. If that’s the case I can’t take 285# seriously either. 

 

He weighed in at 285 for the combine and I would bet my measly state paycheck that he “bulked up” for the combine. That he didn’t play near that. It’s been my belief the whole time that he’s undersized. He’s not even close to what Donald looks like in a uniform. Which tells me he’s more like 275 or maybe under. 

 

For those that think 10-20lbs doesn’t mean a lot when your talking about offensive or defensive line play, your wrong. It does. Again, we’ve argued this over and over again, that doesn’t mean that can’t be, or won’t be good. It’s possible. There’s always Aaron Donald who proves that. But that is the exception, and not the rule. For every 1 Aaron Donald, there are 900 nobody’s that are out of the league in less than 2-3 years because they couldn’t ever step up to the pro game. 

 

I really hope im wrong. I want to be wrong. I’m routing for Oliver. I want him to be dominant. I will cheer for him when he makes big plays, And I won’t rub it in if he can’t take that step. But this is my opinion on it and that won’t change. I’m not going to say I said so if everyone else is wrong and I’m right. I’ll be upset just like everyone else that he didn’t make it. But I won’t make excuses for him. He was a top 10 pick and he’s supposed to be a very good player at the very least. I expect that. 

 

Sure he probably bulked-up for the Combine to (actually) 287#.  It didn't seem to affect his athleticism as he still bested Donald's (just talking) numbers, except for 40-yard dash (meaningless for a DL but just 0.04 second off) and bench press, which was still an impressive 32 (tied for 7th overall and 3rd among DL, versus 35).  And mind you, he is 1-1/2 years younger/less physically mature than Donald was at his Combine.  I'd be concerned if he bulked-up and fell below Donald, which is the measuring stick for a guy like Oliver.

 

Whether he can keep at 287# remains to be seen.  But a few pounds lighter won't make much of a difference.

[Augie]

3 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

John Randle played DT at 6'1 247. While players have gotten much bigger since the 1990's, I'd say 275 is still > than 247. EO could be John Randle or a complete BUST, but it seems silly to summarily dismiss the guy based on his weight.

 

I realize it was DE and not DT, obviously, but what was Bruce listed at and what was his actual weight? I don’t think they ever came clean on that, but it worked out OK. 

 

I think in the new NFL Mr Ed and his style/weight will be just fine. It’s smart teams like the Patriots that pound you when you go light to battle against a passing offense. Those might be tough games for our prized rookie. Hoping for the best. 

[mrags]

42 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Sure he probably bulked-up for the Combine to (actually) 287#.  It didn't seem to affect his athleticism as he still bested Donald's (just talking) numbers, except for 40-yard dash (meaningless for a DL but just 0.04 second off) and bench press, which was still an impressive 32 (tied for 7th overall and 3rd among DL, versus 35).  And mind you, he is 1-1/2 years younger/less physically mature than Donald was at his Combine.  I'd be concerned if he bulked-up and fell below Donald, which is the measuring stick for a guy like Oliver.

 

Whether he can keep at 287# remains to be seen.  But a few pounds lighter won't make much of a difference.

I agree 100% with all of it. And like I said and will continue to say. I’m pulling for him. I really like the kid as a person and want him to dominate. I really hope he does. I feel like his personality and work ethic may take him there. At least I hope so. 

 

3 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

John Randle played DT at 6'1 247. While players have gotten much bigger since the 1990's, I'd say 275 is still > than 247. EO could be John Randle or a complete BUST, but it seems silly to summarily dismiss the guy based on his weight.

Again for the 1,000 time, that is a guy that is an exception. Not the rule. For every 1 Randle or Donald, there are hundreds of guys that don’t make it because they cannot  transition to the nfl based on size, speed, weight, agility, etc. 

 

3 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

If he is doing it then so is Aaron Donald

Donald has been listed by the nfl as 285. His playing weight. Oliver barely had that for his combine. He didn’t play at 285. 

 

 

 

Listen guys, 

i know I’m in the minority of everyone here thinking Donald is too small, and not big enough to play DT in the NFL. Again, you guys are comparing him to not only players that have made it in the league, but some of the best ever or better ones to play in the last 20 years. I mean, cmon. You cannot even begin to compare Oliver to any of these guys that have proven themselves in the nfl, based in similar size. Yes, they/he can play DT in the league at a smaller size. But you can not argue at all that DTs in the league generally play closer to the 300lb mark. It’s just a fact. The vast majority of them are closer or over 300lbs and it wouldn’t even be close. 

 

I really hope he produces for a long time. Lest stop arguing about it based on you all comparing him to Hall of Fame and potential future Hall of Fame players in Randle and Donald. I can’t think of any players names that played at under 285 that were not successful. Why?... because nobody remembers them, they were that forgettable. Busts happen all the time. People knocked Maybin for similar reasons, because he was too small to play the position. Look how that turned out. 

 

Lets just all hope he plays well and lives up to some lofty expectations. 

[John from Riverside]

3 minutes ago, mrags said:

I agree 100% with all of it. And like I said and will continue to say. I’m pulling for him. I really like the kid as a person and want him to dominate. I really hope he does. I feel like his personality and work ethic may take him there. At least I hope so. 

 

Again for the 1,000 time, that is a guy that is an exception. Not the rule. For every 1 Randle or Donald, there are hundreds of guys that don’t make it because they cannot  transition to the nfl based on size, speed, weight, agility, etc. 

 

Donald has been listed by the nfl as 285. His playing weight. Oliver barely had that for his combine. He didn’t play at 285. 

 

 

 

Listen guys, 

i know I’m in the minority of everyone here thinking Donald is too small, and not big enough to play DT in the NFL. Again, you guys are comparing him to not only players that have made it in the league, but some of the best ever or better ones to play in the last 20 years. I mean, cmon. You cannot even begin to compare Oliver to any of these guys that have proven themselves in the nfl, based in similar size. Yes, they/he can play DT in the league at a smaller size. But you can not argue at all that DTs in the league generally play closer to the 300lb mark. It’s just a fact. The vast majority of them are closer or over 300lbs and it wouldn’t even be close. 

 

I really hope he produces for a long time. Lest stop arguing about it based on you all comparing him to Hall of Fame and potential future Hall of Fame players in Randle and Donald. I can’t think of any players names that played at under 285 that were not successful. Why?... because nobody remembers them, they were that forgettable. Busts happen all the time. People knocked Maybin for similar reasons, because he was too small to play the position. Look how that turned out. 

 

Lets just all hope he plays well and lives up to some lofty expectations. 

I am actually not arguing about the performance....which needs to be proven at the NFL level

 

I am arguing about the fact that ppl think it is ok to list Donald's weight as fact.....but that Oliver's weight is obviously inflated and being lied about.......they of similar biulds.....a lot of physical attributes and playing styles and it is totally possible that Donalds weight is inflated weight numbers.

 

In the end....its about the production.

[Augie]

5 minutes ago, mrags said:

I agree 100% with all of it. And like I said and will continue to say. I’m pulling for him. I really like the kid as a person and want him to dominate. I really hope he does. I feel like his personality and work ethic may take him there. At least I hope so. 

 

Again for the 1,000 time, that is a guy that is an exception. Not the rule. For every 1 Randle or Donald, there are hundreds of guys that don’t make it because they cannot  transition to the nfl based on size, speed, weight, agility, etc. 

 

Donald has been listed by the nfl as 285. His playing weight. Oliver barely had that for his combine. He didn’t play at 285. 

 

 

 

Listen guys, 

i know I’m in the minority of everyone here thinking Donald is too small, and not big enough to play DT in the NFL. Again, you guys are comparing him to not only players that have made it in the league, but some of the best ever or better ones to play in the last 20 years. I mean, cmon. You cannot even begin to compare Oliver to any of these guys that have proven themselves in the nfl, based in similar size. Yes, they/he can play DT in the league at a smaller size. But you can not argue at all that DTs in the league generally play closer to the 300lb mark. It’s just a fact. The vast majority of them are closer or over 300lbs and it wouldn’t even be close. 

 

I really hope he produces for a long time. Lest stop arguing about it based on you all comparing him to Hall of Fame and potential future Hall of Fame players in Randle and Donald. I can’t think of any players names that played at under 285 that were not successful. Why?... because nobody remembers them, they were that forgettable. Busts happen all the time. People knocked Maybin for similar reasons, because he was too small to play the position. Look how that turned out. 

 

Lets just all hope he plays well and lives up to some lofty expectations. 

 

It’s all good. Different points of view are what this is all about, and I don’t claim to “know” anything. The game is changing. The league has adjusted the rules to make it easier to pass and score. You have to defend against that style. Could Milano have been an effective LB 20 years ago? Doubt it. The same shift will happen on the DLine. Adjust and evolve.

 

Again, the smart teams will take advantage of this by pounding it on you, as the Pats* did. You just have to stay ahead of the game, and I think we have a smart group leading our team right now.