It seems the New York Jets, owners of a top-five pick, might pass on defensive end Quinnen Williams in the 2019 NFL Draft later this week.
According to The Athletic's New York Jets reporter Connor Hughes, the Jets, who will pick third, are trying to trade back. Their likely target: Houston Cougars nose tackle Ed Oliver.
However, the Oakland Raiders, who will select fourth, also have Oliver on their radar.
#Jets very much interested in trading back, as the world knows. The #Raiders love Ed Oliver, per sources. Worth keeping an eye on. Few around league believe the Jets would actually pass up on Q. Williams … if he falls to No. 3.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) April 22, 2019
New York Daily News Jets and NFL writer Manish Mehta confirmed the team's interest in Oliver on Monday.
Although I've been told that the Jets believe that Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is destined for stardom, folks in the building are infatuated with Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver's otherworldly skills.
‘He's an alien,' one team source told me about Oliver.
Oliver has strong support in the organization from those who believe that he has the tools to wear a gold jacket one day.
There are, however, fair criticisms about him that have sparked a healthy debate on One Jets Drive.
It seems the Jets' interest in Oliver may compel them to pass on Williams, one of the best pass rushers on the board. Williams is a defensive end who recorded 19.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks during his sophomore season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Jets source on Ed Oliver: “He’s an alien.”
A closer look at how NYJ really feels about Quinnen Williams, Josh Allen and Oliver…
Story: https://t.co/e8T7pyb6QQ pic.twitter.com/IHOZdK7va5
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) April 22, 2019
On the other hand, Oliver's production dwindled steadily over the course of his three-year stay at Houston. In eight games in 2018, he had 14.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. During his freshman year, Oliver had 22.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Nonetheless, his potential remains sky-high.
The news linking Oliver to the Jets began when NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote about them in his April 16 mock draft. Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams could utilize Oliver the same way he utilized Aaron Donald during his stint with the then-St. Louis Rams.
Will Gang Green select Oliver and pass on Williams? This is just one of the intriguing storylines when the 2019 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday.