The big question the media has with this pick is whether it serves an immediate need. Something the pundits should consider: if your roster is already pretty solid, you shouldn't need the #58 overall selection to step in on day one and be a starter. This pick was an investment for the future, not the answer to an immediate problem. It certainly fits the list of future needs. Atlanta lost three of its next wave of cornerback prospects last season, most notably severing ties with former second rounder Jalen Collins after his second suspension. Nickel corner Brian Poole will be eligible for free agency before too long, and reserves Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Leon McFadden aren't likely part of the team's long term plans. But with Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford as starters and Poole likely to split time with safety Damontae Kazee at nickel, the team has the luxury of working Oliver into the rotation gradually. The big picture is that in 2019-2020, he's likely to play outside in the nickel package with Alford moving in to take the slot receiver. It's possible that free safety Ricardo Allen may head elsewhere in free agency after this season. If so, having Oliver would allow the team to replace Allen with Kazee as a full time safety. With some experience as a rookie, Oliver should be an upgrade over Poole in his second season, and if Poole sticks around he'd in turn be an upgrade for the team's depth as the #4 cornerback. What makes the selection of Oliver particularly interesting is that it had a "best player available" feel to it, much like the Ridley pick in the first round. Thomas Dimitroff has always favored a need-based approach to the draft. Personally, I've always preferred a form of BPA for the early rounds. This year's draft hints that Dimitroff might be warming up to that approach.
