Vikings sign TE Josh Oliver

[Maelstrom88]

https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2023/0 ... fo-mensah/

We have a blocking TE.

[J. Kapp 11]

Interesting signing. Not one that I was expecting.

Seems like the league is going to run a lot of 12 personnel. With the right tight ends, it can pay off. If the defense plays base, you get mismatches in the passing game. If they go nickel, you’ve got heavy against light for the running game.

Both Hock and Oliver are good run blockers. Oliver hasn’t had a ton of targets in his career, but KOC managed to coax 19 receptions out of Johnny Mundt, who came into 2022 with 10 in his career. Oliver also runs about 4.6, not bad for a tight end.

Curious to see what KOC has planned.

[JJBreaksRecords]

Of all the FA sighning we could have had, this is the stupidest. We need help littterally ever place other thean TE, so KAM, being the smartest guy in the room, signs a TE. YAY!

[CharVike]

Of all the FA sighning we could have had, this is the stupidest. We need help littterally ever place other thean TE, so KAM, being the smartest guy in the room, signs a TE. YAY!

He's not the smartest guy in the room. According to him he's the smartest guy in the NFL. This TE is a big dude and I guess can block. We are team 3 in his short career and gave him 21 mill for 3 yrs. That's a step price for a blocker. The Ravens didn't want him for some reason. I think we are strong on the outside. We can't block in the middle. And then this.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Minnesota ran only 134 plays out of 12 personnel in 2022, which ranked 27th in the National Football League. Not exactly an offense that utilizes multiple tight ends. Maybe KOC will switch from a 3 WR base to a heavy TE base. Blocking TEs are easier to find than WRs who can get open and catch. Mundt was an easy grab and played ok.

[Cliff]

Interesting signing. Not one that I was expecting.

Seems like the league is going to run a lot of 12 personnel. With the right tight ends, it can pay off. If the defense plays base, you get mismatches in the passing game. If they go nickel, you’ve got heavy against light for the running game.

Both Hock and Oliver are good run blockers. Oliver hasn’t had a ton of targets in his career, but KOC managed to coax 19 receptions out of Johnny Mundt, who came into 2022 with 10 in his career. Oliver also runs about 4.6, not bad for a tight end.

Curious to see what KOC has planned.

They also made sure to keep C.J. Ham who is now the second highest paid FB in the league and widely considered top 5 at his position. The Rams don't even carry a fullback.

Maybe he doesn't think he'll be able to significantly upgrade the offensive line so he's beefing up blocking at other positions?

[IIsweet]

The ravens already have a ton of money at the TE position in Andrews, plus Isaiah Likely. Have no idea of this guy but we definitely did not have a good TE situation last year until we got TJ. I am thinking also that this helps O'Neill after Achilles surgery.
Keeping Ham means keeping leadership in the locker room at a minimal cost.
Keeping Hicks is a way cheaper option than Kendricks was. Plus, he took a pay cut and will have 2/3 of the linebackers back. Keeps a veteran presence also, again at a minimal cost.
Regardless of what we think is the right call, I am sure that every decision is made with a few people in mind, KAM and KOC, and for a reason.
I would expect more 12 personnel obviously going forward

[Pep2Moss]

Seems like a total waste for that amount of money.

Bradbury back too I just read. Gross. Still having nightmares of Dexter Lawrence caving him in continually. I thought we were finally free.

[Pep2Moss]

Interesting signing. Not one that I was expecting.

Seems like the league is going to run a lot of 12 personnel. With the right tight ends, it can pay off. If the defense plays base, you get mismatches in the passing game. If they go nickel, you’ve got heavy against light for the running game.

Both Hock and Oliver are good run blockers. Oliver hasn’t had a ton of targets in his career, but KOC managed to coax 19 receptions out of Johnny Mundt, who came into 2022 with 10 in his career. Oliver also runs about 4.6, not bad for a tight end.

Curious to see what KOC has planned.

They also made sure to keep C.J. Ham who is now the second highest paid FB in the league and widely considered top 5 at his position. The Rams don't even carry a fullback.

Maybe he doesn't think he'll be able to significantly upgrade the offensive line so he's beefing up blocking at other positions?

Looking forward to the FB/2te/1wr/1HB offense. Barf.

[JJBreaksRecords]

They also made sure to keep C.J. Ham who is now the second highest paid FB in the league and widely considered top 5 at his position. The Rams don't even carry a fullback.

Maybe he doesn't think he'll be able to significantly upgrade the offensive line so he's beefing up blocking at other positions?

Looking forward to the FB/2te/1wr/1HB offense. Barf.

Right. If you want the Vikings improved you fix the friggin IOL first, maybe a guard AND a center (not a POS like Turdbury).Kam is making Rick look like a genius right now.

[IIsweet]

I disagree. New HC and new OL coach. I would think that if KOC and Kuper felt we had to move on, then we would be. Right now there will be ZERO turnover from the OL. Hopefully that leads to better play. As for KAM, he is definitely getting the team younger and more athletic.
I cannot believe that we resigned Bradbury, but what else is available?
What if someone else took JMS in the draft before us?

[Pep2Moss]

I disagree. New HC and new OL coach. I would think that if KOC and Kuper felt we had to move on, then we would be. Right now there will be ZERO turnover from the OL. Hopefully that leads to better play. As for KAM, he is definitely getting the team younger and more athletic.
I cannot believe that we resigned Bradbury, but what else is available?
What if someone else took JMS in the draft before us?

Honestly deal down and take a center round 2. Bradbury gets mauled up the middle by bigger guys. You have to help him, and the guards are not great either.