PLAYER PROFILE: Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State

Photo Credit: John David Mercer (USA Today Sports)

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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A super athletic four-year contributor at tight end for San Jose State, Josh Oliver hopes to carry over his offensive upside into the NFL. Despite a 1-11 season, he had a breakout senior season with 56 receptions and 709 yards, making him top five nationally in catches and yardage. Won first-team Mountain West honors. Showcased speed and strength at the combine that put him more firmly on teams’ radars — possibly the Vikings’. He visited the team facility for its Top 30 event.

Size

6-5, 249 pounds

Combine notables

40-yard dash: 4.63 seconds (T3rd at position)
Bench: 22 reps (T2nd at position)
Vertical: 34 inches
Broad jump: 117 inches (T6th at position)
3-cone drill: 7.21 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.47 seconds (T3rd slowest at position)

What the analysts say

“Above-average, mid-air athlete with plus ball skills who was forced to deal with coverages that were consistently shaded in his direction thanks to an excessive target count. Oliver’s route-running and ball-tracking talent allow him to work beyond the first level and can help NFL team’s looking to push the ball downfield. Oliver will flash as an in-line blocker at times but might need to enter the league as a TE2/3 who works from the slot until he becomes more skilled and consistent at the point of attack.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Oliver produced more than half of his career numbers in his senior season, suggesting that he is an ascending player. He has NFL athleticism, but there are still some raw aspects to his game despite the increase in production. Still, Oliver did enough this season to warrant an invite to the Senior Bowl. He likely will never be a dominant factor in the run game, but has enough traits to get by in the receiving game. Oliver has a relatively high ceiling, but best projects as a TE2 for an NFL team.” – Brad Kelly, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-18th in yards per route run
-1st in deep passing yards

Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

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