Ed Oliver
AP Photo

What exactly does all this late Ed Oliver noise to the New York Jets mean? Perhaps it’s a smokescreen designed to goad the Oakland Raiders.

Robby Sabo

New York Jets fans are all wondering the same thing as the 2019 NFL Draft creeps up on everybody; where in the world is all of this Ed Oliver noise coming from?

Conventional wisdom lends truth to the idea the franchise really likes the Houston product. According to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, an NFL scout claims Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams “loves” Oliver.

“Can’t see them passing on an edge-rusher, but we’re all hearing Gregg Williams loves him (Oliver). Doesn’t seem to be a great fit (for their defense), but we don’t really know what that D is yet.”

Perhaps there’s more to it than meets the eye.

An NFL executive also told the SNY veteran that the Oliver noise could be serving as a great smokescreen designed to goad the Oakland Raiders into trading up.

“Interesting that this Oliver stuff (with the Jets) comes out right after we all hear that the Raiders might be in love with Oliver,” the executive said. “Sounds to me like the Jets are trying to smoke Gruden and Mayock into trading up a spot.”

Oliver, 21, is no doubt one of the most talented players in the pool. Over three seasons at Houston, he tallied 13.5 sacks and 122 total tackles with a mind-boggling 53 for loss.

He fits into the Quinnen Williams prototype. Both play the 3-technique, interior lineman position that Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson currently hold down. With glaring holes at both edges, it seems wild for Mike Maccagnan to pass up either Nick Bosa or Josh Allen for another interior player.

The New York Jets currently hold the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The first round is slated for primetime, Thursday, April 25.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com