Kansas City Chiefs: Potential tight end prospects in 2019 NFL Draft
By John McCarty
TIGHT END DRAFT PROSPECTS – JOSH OLIVER (SAN JOSE STATE)
Coming from the smaller ranks of SJSU, Josh Oliver is an intriguing long-term prospect at the tight end position. Oliver is similar to Dawson Knox in that he is arguably a better athlete than actual tight in terms of technique and refinement.
He has good size, with experience lining up all across the offense, both split out wide, inline and at times lining up wide as a receiver. A willing blocker, Oliver can block, but often wins due to being bigger than the competition as opposed to using proper technique. Decent burst and acceleration and good route running experience, Oliver projects as a solid long-term tight end prospect.
Concern would be the acclimation coming from the lower level school comprised with the raw physical tools. Whatever team drafting Oliver would need to know to be patient and understand he is a work in progress. However, the tools are there for Oliver to have a nice NFL career as a high level number two type tight end.
If the Chiefs are targeting more of a three receiver offense going forward, the need for a playmaking tight end may decrease. While Oliver certainly does not project to be a star, there are tools that he can be quality ‘safety valve’ type player.
He’s certainly a capable prospect worthy of a draft pick and he would be a number two type tight end.