Dallas Cowboys Draft: 10 Tight End Prospects and Their Fit

Josh Oliver, San Jose State

What’s Good: Athleticism, Route running, Explosiveness

What Ain’t Good: Blocking, blocking, and more blocking

Oliver was largely an unknown commodity until he ran a 4.63 second 40 yard dash at the combine. Crazy how all it takes is a fast sprint and people will start to remember your name? Fortunately for Oliver, he’s more than just a big, fast guy; he’s a big, fast guy that has some solid hands.

The most prominent thing with Oliver’s game is he looks like a big possession receiver. He can play in the slot, and more important, get separation in the slot. In a day and age where teams play big guys in the slot, having a receiving threat like Oliver is lethal.

As a route runner, he changes direction really smooth. He doesn’t make unnecessary steps when cutting inside or outside. He explodes out of his stance and has the ability to fly by anyone when stretching the field vertically. Given the Spartans had one of the worst offenses in the NCAA, Oliver was definitely a bright spot.

Then comes the bad stuff. Oliver CANNOT block. I mentioned Sternberger wasn’t very good as a blocker, but Oliver makes Sternberger look like a legend in comparison. Similar to Sternberger, he possesses a long, lean frame that managed to pump 22 bench press reps at the combine.

But anyone who knows how to bench press knows it doesn’t involves your legs or abdominal muscles… Oliver gets pushed around by everyone when blocking. There may be an issue with his fundamentals or lower body strength, but no one at his size should get pushed around like he does. While it’s concerning, it is still fixable even if it may take a while.

With Oliver’s evaluation it comes down to a very simple rule. How do you perceive athleticism versus fundamentals. Oliver is a very talented receiver, but his blocking ability may restrict his play time. (I find this highly unlikely because he screams red zone threat)

Oliver will find a home anywhere in the NFL, it just depends on how who’s the most creative with him…