JO #84

Josh Oliver

Tight End · San José State

Elite blocking tight end widely regarded as one of the best run-blockers at his position, anchoring the Vikings' ground game.

Josh Oliver has built an unusual reputation for a tight end, valued less for catching passes than for his work as a blocker. The San Jose State product has earned praise from analysts as the best blocking tight end in the NFL during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota signed him to a three-year extension in June 2025.

★ PFF's top-graded run-blocking tight end in 2024

★ Three-year, $23.25 million Vikings extension (2025)

★ Mountain West all-academic honoree all four college seasons

Path to the league

Oliver played at San Jose State from 2015 to 2018, where he hauled in 98 receptions for 1,067 yards and seven touchdowns and was a Mountain West all-academic honoree all four years. He entered the NFL as a draft pick before injuries slowed his early career. He reinvented himself as a blocking specialist once he landed in Minnesota.

Career highlights

Oliver has become one of the NFL's premier run-blocking tight ends. According to Pro Football Focus, he led all tight ends with a 74.2 run-blocking grade in 2024 and earned the fourth-highest mark in 2023. ESPN's Bill Barnwell has listed Oliver as the best blocking tight end in the league, and Next Gen Stats credited him with allowing only two pressures across 55 pass-blocking snaps.

2025 season

Oliver continued in his role as the Vikings' blocking anchor in 2025, reinforcing the team's investment in the run game. On June 10, 2025, he signed a three-year, $23.25 million contract extension with Minnesota, a deal that reflected his value as a blocker. The extension keeps one of the league's best blocking tight ends in Minnesota.