PITTSFORD, N.Y. — We know who Ed Oliver is entering year six.
The defensive tackle is coming off the best season of his career with 9.5 sacks.
From the day he was drafted 9th overall in 2019, Oliver's personality has been bright.
Now he is trying to find the perfect blend of business and pleasure.
"It's not a bad thing to be a young, smiley guy," Oliver said. "That lets the younger guys know you don't have to be so serious all the time. I also know I can't mess up either. If I'm being that way, I know I have to be on top of my game. I just try and lighten the mood up and help the guys kind of relax. I know there's nerves. I've been there before. I've been the 1st round pick when everybody's got eyes on you and how it can feel lonely. Help those guys know the coaches really want the best for you and just go out there and play. Don't let the moment overwhelm you."
Oliver's ascent wasn't a straight line or easy.
He also has been surrounded by veterans to help guide him.
Now Oliver looks around and sees his running mate DaQuan Jones, but not any other familiar faces.
That's where Oliver's game is already noticeably taking a step forward - leadership.
You can see him working with fellow defensive tackles, including rookie 3rd round pick DeWayne Carter and Olympic wrestler-turned-football-hopeful Gable Steveson.
"Everywhere you go, people won't give you the game," Oliver said. "I'm willing to give DC the game. I'm willing to give Gable the game. I'm willing to share what I've learned over the years with them to help them speed up the process because we all know later on in the season we're going to need those guys to step up and play big-time plays."
"As much as I can give them from what they can take in right now, I try to give them whether that's in the run game, pass game, whatever. Even as far as mindset and how to rush. Things like that. I feel it's my duty to give them the game early."