Detroit Lions 2019 NFL Draft Profile: Tight end Josh Oliver

One tight end isn’t enough in today’s NFL. The Detroit Lions can add another weapon to their collection early in the upcoming draft.

San Jose State isn’t known as a winning program. Even with a talent like Josh Oliver, the Spartans could only win one game in 2018. The Detroit Lions are all too familiar with losing, but this tight end can help flip the script.

Although it was the worst season he endured in his four years in college (1-11), Oliver saved his best season for last. The senior collected 56 catches, 709 yards and four touchdowns. His receptions and yards ranked third and fifth respectively among all tight ends in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision).

Only a handful prospects at his position can stretch the field like he can. What distinguishes Oliver from the majority of his peers is the ability to get open off the snap. His quickness to separate is a rare trait in this NFL draft class.

Polished as a route runner and phenomenal at making circus catches only adds to his value as a pass catching tight end. Blocking is still a work in progress. Luckily, the traits to be a quality blocker show up on tape.

On that note, the technique is far from ideal. Athleticism alone won’t do much good in the NFL. For a big guy (6-foot-5, 249 pounds), he’ll need to get more physical to thrive on every down.

Jesse James is a serviceable piece just recently signed via free agency but he’s just one guy and doesn’t offer above average athleticism. Michael Roberts is in the same boat. Tight end is still a need early in the 2019 offseason.

Oliver fits perfectly for a team like the Detroit Lions still lacking an explosive move tight end. It won’t take more than a third round pick to get him either. That’s great value at a position of need.