Underrated for TJ Hockenson: Max Bredeson, Vikings 5th round pick at FB, is getting a lot of praise and was used a lot in preseason New OC, Frank Smith, comes from the Dolphins who used a FB at a top rate in the NFL Also used Josh Oliver a lot in preseason with the 1st team (blocking TE but every few snaps leak into route shares) Then also competing with some snaps with Jauan Jennings, who is a solid blocker as well We may not get a huge route share from TJ Hockenson once you stack everything up

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PositiveUsageAug 17, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Oliver out-snapped T.J. Hockenson (6 vs. 5) on the first drive, though Hockenson led in routes (2 vs. 1). Both were done after the first drive, but Oliver's snap advantage suggests potential competition for the tight end role.

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NegativeUsageAug 4, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Josh Oliver was involved in a miscommunication with Kyler Murray late in Saturday's padded practice, where Oliver ran a short route while Murray threw it long. It was unclear whether the miscommunication was Murray's fault or Oliver's.

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PositiveRoleAug 4, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Josh Oliver was targeted by J.J. McCarthy in red zone drills during 2025 training camp, catching a pass in the back of the end zone. McCarthy's throw had such velocity that it went off Oliver's outstretched hand and hit the crossbar so hard it rang like a bell, prompting a discussion with Kevin O'Connell about managing velocity.

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NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Positioned as a blocking tight end in the Vikings' tight-end room; would be one of two blocking tight ends if Max Bredeson makes the roster.

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NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026Daily Norseman

Josh Oliver is positioned as a blocking tight end in the Vikings' tight-end depth chart.

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NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026Daily Norseman

Josh Oliver is positioned as one of two blocking tight ends on the Vikings roster, alongside Max Bredeson, if Bredeson makes the team.

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NegativeUsageJul 28, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source identifies Oliver as one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and notes it doesn't make sense to replace him with a rookie blocking fullback/H-back in Bredeson, suggesting Oliver's snap count is unlikely to be significantly reduced despite increased fullback usage.

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NegativeUsageJul 28, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source identifies Josh Oliver as one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and notes that it doesn't make sense to replace him with rookie fullback Max Bredeson, suggesting Oliver's snap count should remain stable despite the Vikings' increased fullback usage under Frank Smith.

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PositiveUsageJul 28, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source identifies Josh Oliver as one of the best blocking tight ends in the league and notes it 'doesn't really make sense to replace him with a rookie blocking fullback/H-back in Bredeson,' indicating Oliver's snap count should remain stable despite the Vikings' increased fullback usage under Frank Smith's run-game philosophy.

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PositiveUsageJul 28, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source notes that Josh Oliver is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league, so it doesn't make sense to replace him with a rookie blocking fullback in Max Bredeson; this suggests Oliver's snap count is unlikely to be reduced by increased fullback usage.

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PositiveRoleJul 28, 2026Daily Norseman

Josh Oliver is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league; his elite blocking ability makes him unlikely to lose snaps to rookie fullback/H-back Max Bredeson, protecting his role in Vikings offense even with increased fullback usage under Frank Smith.

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PositiveRoleJul 28, 2026Daily Norseman

Vikings tight end and one of the best blocking tight ends in the league; unlikely to see snap count reduced despite increased fullback usage, as his elite blocking ability makes him a better fit alongside fullback Max Bredeson than replacing him with a rookie blocking fullback/H-back.

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PositiveRoleNo dateMattek Fantasy Football

The source identifies Josh Oliver as a blocking tight end who lacks significant fantasy upside and does not fit the target profile for fantasy relevance.

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