Analyst names one Minnesota Vikings tight end as best in NFL in unique skillset
The Vikings have prided themselves on loading up their roster with a unique assembly of skill players. They are deep at nearly every position to the point that even the depth players have their own unique assignments.
That leads us to a piece published by ESPN's Bill Barnwell on Thursday, where he labeled the best players in the NFL in unique areas. He broke down the best gunner, blitzing off-ball linebacker, and sixth offensive lineman. Another award he gave out was best blocking tight end, which is where the Vikings came into the mix.
The recently extended Josh Oliver earned that distinction from Barnwell as he backs up the receiving option at the position, T.J. Hockenson.
Barnwell explains, "The numbers back up the idea that Oliver is an elite blocker. He ranked fourth among eligible tight ends in ESPN's run block win rate a year ago, finishing just behind a former teammate in now-Jaguars tight end Johnny Mundt. NFL Next Gen Stats credited Oliver with only two pressures allowed across 55 pass-blocking snaps, producing a pressure rate that was just about half the league average among tight ends."
Barnwell also explains in the piece that having a reliable blocking tight end is one of the more underappreciated aspects of the NFL in today's world.
For now, though, Oliver and the Vikings are in a happy marriage and are okay if they fly under the radar. If J.J. McCarthy wasn't happy enough having book-end tackles like Christian Darrisaw or Brian O'Neill, adding Oliver to the mix puts their edge protection over the top.
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