10 bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings 2023 season
By Chris Schad
Prediction No. 5
Josh Oliver will catch five or more touchdowns
The addition of Josh Oliver was one of the more puzzling moves of the offseason, as the Vikings gave him a three-year, $21 million contract to play beside Hockenson. With Hockenson signing the largest contract for a tight end in NFL history on Thursday morning, the Oliver move could have even more questions, but his value is more than just a blocker.
Oliver was a receiving specialist during his collegiate career at San Jose State, catching 56 passes for 709 yards and four touchdowns during his senior season. After spending a year with the Jaguars and missing a season due to injury, Oliver resurfaced with the Baltimore Ravens and was the NFL’s second-best run-blocking tight end behind Isaiah Likely last season.
Oliver’s receiving ability hasn’t shined through yet as he had just 14 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns last season, but his 6-foot-5, 249-pound frame screams “Red Zone Target” and he could be used as a diversion to help take pressure off of Hockenson and Jefferson.
Oliver isn’t going to become an All-Pro, but after a strong training camp, he appears ready to make a major impact both in the running game and as a receiver.