Vikings Roster Countdown: No. 84 Josh Oliver — Elite Blocking TE Adds Versatility

The Vikings made Oliver a priority because of what he'll allow them to do offensively.

Author:
Will Ragatz
Publish date:
Jul 13, 2023 6:12 PM EDT

In this story:

Ahead of the Vikings' 2023 training camp beginning in late July, we'll be taking a look at every player on the 90-man roster, counting down from 99 to 0 (excluding the UDFAs, who we've already profiled). For every player, we'll look at the best and worst-case scenarios and their realistic outlook for the upcoming season.

No. 84: Josh Oliver, TE

Age: 26 | Size: 6'5", 259

Sep 25, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Josh Oliver (84) runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. — Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings' first move in free agency this year was signing Josh Oliver to a three-year, $21 million deal (which functions more like 2 years, $13M with how it's structured). Oliver is a former third-round pick with just 26 career receptions, but the Vikings weren't focused on his pass-catching stats. They prioritized Oliver because of his elite blocking ability and what his presence will allow them to do on offense.

The Jaguars took Oliver with the 69th overall pick in 2019 after he had 709 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a senior at San Jose State. He played sparingly as a rookie in Jacksonville and missed the entire 2020 season with a broken foot, then was traded to the Ravens for very little in 2021. Last year was Oliver's breakout campaign, as he played a career-high 513 offensive snaps for Baltimore. Used alongside Mark Andrews, Oliver only ran a route 31 percent of the time. He did manage a decent 14-149-2 receiving line, but his primary impact came as a blocker.

Among 84 tight ends with at least 100 snaps as a blocker last year, Oliver ranked second in PFF run blocking grade. His size, power, and technique make him a remarkable force in that area of the game. In Minnesota, he'll play quite a bit in two-TE formations with Hockenson, just like he did in Baltimore with Andrews. Oliver's elite blocking ability should provide a big boost to the Vikings' running game — and his coaches believe he can add plenty of value as a receiver, too.

Best-case scenario: Oliver has the best season of his career at age 26. Not only is he again one of the league's best run-blocking tight ends, he also sets career highs in every receiving category with a 30-300-4 line. The Vikings' run game improves and Oliver is a huge part of a versatile top-5 attack.

Worst-case scenario: Adjusting to a new scheme proves difficult for Oliver, whose run-blocking grade slips a bit. He offers very little in the passing game and the Vikings continue to struggle with their efficiency on the ground.

Outlook for 2023: Until you really dive into the Xs and Os, it can be hard to understand why the Vikings gave Oliver the contract they did. But he's that good as a blocker. Kevin O'Connell can now use two-TE sets to improve the Vikings' running game looks. And if teams load up in the box to stop the run, that will create advantageous matchups for Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Hockenson in the passing game. Expect Oliver to play a lot this season. He's a notable upgrade from Johnny Mundt.

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