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Branden Oliver (1 Viewer)

EBF

Footballguy
Liked this kid a lot at Buffalo. Very shifty and deceptively strong. Ran for about a billion yards in his career.

He was ignored by the major pre-draft all-star games, did not receive a combine invite, and went undrafted. His pro day workout was pretty ho-hum. My expectations were low for him after all of that, but he has reportedly been impressive at Chargers training camp. I DVR'd the game last night and was surprised by how early he got into the game. He played in the 2nd quarter and flashed some nice talent.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000375488/Branden-

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000375501/Chargers-

The announcers compared him to Sproles. I think he's a classic bowling ball type in the mold of Ray Rice and MJD. San Diego's RB depth chart seems crowded, but Woodhead is a specialist, Mathews is up for free agency after the season, and Donald Brown is Donald Brown. There might be some opportunity here if BO keeps impressing.

If he's out there on your waiver wire, I would take a shot on him. This is the kind of low-risk gamble that can have a nice payoff.

 
Dont they have ryan mathews, danny woodhead, AND donald brown?
Sproles sat behind LT and Turner. Still paid off in the long run and Oliver's situation isn't nearly that bad.

You've got to take talent where you can find it. I don't know quite yet if Oliver is viable, but the early signs are encouraging.

 
I've been a huge fan since his Sophomore year.

Great vision in the inside runs. Sharp cuts and a tank to bring down.

 
Mike McCoy on Oliver:

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Five-Lessons-from-the-Cowboys-Game/1a345efa-97cc-49d7-be60-4feefc0d00ec

Branden was a player who caught our eye and the personnel department did a great job targeting him. And from the first day, you could see that this player was going to have the opportunity to do some special things and he’s worked extremely hard. He’s made his fair share of mistakes through camp, but he just kept on lifting and listening to what (Running Backs Coach) Ollie (Wilson) kept preaching. And he made the most of his opportunities.
 
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He looked pretty good. Obviously not a redraft option right now. But could push for more carries next year if he sticks. Word is that grice may be on the bubble and may be cut in place of oliver. Cant wait for the next preseason game.

 
Thanks for the fyi, EBF. Kid looks special to my eyes. I just watched the 30 min condensed version of the whole game and he was the best looking RB in the game. Granted, he was playing against the 2s, but he was the best player out there with the 2s, imo. Joseph Randle looked good too, but this Oliver kid had the "IT" factor. Again, thanks. Never heard of him until tonight.

 
Thanks for the fyi, EBF. Kid looks special to my eyes. I just watched the 30 min condensed version of the whole game and he was the best looking RB in the game. Granted, he was playing against the 2s, but he was the best player out there with the 2s, imo. Joseph Randle looked good too, but this Oliver kid had the "IT" factor. Again, thanks. Never heard of him until tonight.
He honestly had some of the best cutting skills of any RB in college last year. He's really short and not super fast, but I was surprised he didn't get more love in the pre-draft process. He's like a scaled-down version of a prototypical power back. Same proportions. Just shrunk. I thought with guys like Robbie Rouse getting Senior Bowl invites in recent years, Oliver would at least get a chance at the Shrine Game. Instead he had to play in some low profile backwater game that probably wasn't even televised. Looks like it might have been an unfair slight in hindsight.

I always liked the way he was able to string cuts together in college. The run at 8:33 here is a textbook example:

http://youtu.be/pZiAf_dhiNo?t=8m33s

We've seen some backs of this ilk flop in the NFL. Quizz Rodgers hasn't really worked out and Dion Lewis has been a non-entity so far. Certainly a possibility that Oliver will end up like them, but he looked surprisingly big in the Dallas game with lower body strength reminiscent of Rice and MJD. You could see on the 16 yard TD that he has retained his ability to squirt through small holes and weave through traffic. It's early, but the stage is set for him to potentially be one of the stars of this preseason. There are a few of these every year that kinda come out of left field and maybe he'll be one of them.

 
Yeah, I always love those shorter RBs with tree-trunk legs, Rice and MJD are two perfect examples. This Oliver kid fits that mold. Those type of RBs seem to suffer less injuries from my observations. They're automatically lower to the ground than any of the defensive players and I suspect since their joints are closer in length (than taller players) and the base of the bones are shorter and therefore offer a smaller target for hits. Not only that but a shorter/thicker bone is harder to break than a longer bone. Sort of like a short thick stick being harder to break than a longer stick of similar thickness.

Anyways, yeah, I love what I saw from tonight's game. He definitely has some wiggle and toughness.

 
I want to see him against a not terrible defense. I never got the buzz, so when he went undrrafted I was not surprised, but I really trust McCoy's eye and if he is tearing up camp...

 
I'm not sure what I'm more interested in. How Oliver's preseason continues to go or how much this thread will put him on the dynasty radar. Is he being mentioned anywhere else? Never heard of the guy until just now.

 
I'm not sure what I'm more interested in. How Oliver's preseason continues to go or how much this thread will put him on the dynasty radar. Is he being mentioned anywhere else? Never heard of the guy until just now.
he was talked about until February then he fell off the map.
 
I'm not sure what I'm more interested in. How Oliver's preseason continues to go or how much this thread will put him on the dynasty radar. Is he being mentioned anywhere else? Never heard of the guy until just now.
I think the main benefit of the preseason from an FF standpoint is being able to see guys like this who probably wouldn't be getting any action during a regular season game. That gives you a chance to evaluate them and also to get some concrete clues about their camp performance. Guys like Colston and Morris were running with the starters during the preseason before their surprise breakout rookie years. I think when you see a young guy getting into the game earlier than expected (especially if he plays with the starters), it's a sign that he's showing well in practice. Luke Willson from the Seahawks last year is another example. He didn't have a monster rookie season, but he had a prominent role for a 5th round rookie TE and if you watched Seattle's preseason games, you could see hints of that because they were working him into the game early and often.

I'm not surprised Oliver had a nice stat line or that he flashed some talent, but for him to be put into the game mid way through the 2nd quarter seems like a pretty big positive to me. That is not common for a UDFA on a team with a crowded depth chart. Usually you wouldn't see a guy like this until the 4th quarter, if at all. Obviously he's unlikely to leapfrog San Diego's veteran RBs for snaps this year, but he has at least put his name on the map as a guy people should monitor.

 
Agree that he looked really good last night. Always liked his talent too. Hard to imagine he'll see the field at all this season assuming he stays on SD, but if you have the roster space for a future upside play he's definitely deserving of a pickup.

 
It's unrealistic to expect to see him in much regular season action this year (I do think he'll make the 53), there is this to think about:

Brown is average. Mathews has injury issues in his past. Woodhead is more of a COP/passing down specialist.

There's room to grow/be thrust into a role in the future in SD if he plays well.

 
His body of work at Buffalo was impressive. He is very agile with quick "wiggle" but not the fastest guy. I thought for sure he'd be a late round pick, but he wasn't. Why is the question. It seemed his chances of finding a role with Grice in the mix of an already somewhat crowded backfield were bleak. But now he's already playing ahead of Grice and it appears it's going to stay that way.

 
I can get passed the 4.6 40 because he had a 1.56 10 split. I like his 26 reps for sure, but his wiggle isn't showing with a 7+ 3 cone. He definitely qualifies as a deep sleeper with a tough hill to climb. If you're looking to scrape the bottom of the barrel, take a look at guys like Gaffney and Houston with NE. They look like they could get in play in '15.

 
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I can get passed the 4.6 40 because he had a 1.56 10 split. I like his 26 reps for sure, but his wiggle isn't showing with a 7+ 3 cone. He definitely qualifies as a deep sleeper with a tough hill to climb. If you're looking to scrape the bottom of the barrel, take a look at guys like Gaffney and Houston with NE. They look like they could get in play in '15.
He has more than enough wiggle on the field. The three cone isn't the be all, end all when it comes to gauging elusiveness. Plenty of elusive backs had ordinary times. MJD had a 7.08. He and Oliver have very similar physiques. Both are really short, but carrying a lot of mass relative to their height. Oliver has a 33.1 BMI, which is well into "big back" territory. He's actually a little bit shorter and heavier than MJD even. Nowhere near as fast though.

Immediate opportunity isn't really a big factor for me when I'm looking at a 3rd-4th string RB for a dynasty stash. Teams aren't going to allow a mediocrity to inherit a starting job. If NE lets Ridley and Vereen walk then my guess is that they'd just dip back into the draft/free agency for replacements unless they're sold that Houston or Gaffney can perform. So whether you have a guy in a logjam like Oliver or guys who figure to have more early opportunity like those two NE backs, the main variable in determining whether or not they're ever going to get a chance is their talent.

I'm no expert on Houston, but wasn't wowed by the clips I've seen. I saw a lot of Gaffney because I watch most Stanford games. He isn't that good and IMO will never do anything of note in the NFL. Oliver is no lock, but he's already flashing in a way that those two players haven't yet (and probably never will IMO). I think a large part of getting steals like Cruz, Colston, and Morris off the waiver wire is simply paying attention. Wise to stand up and take notice when players flash, even if it ultimately fizzles out ala Kenbrell Thompkins.

 
There's two major differences with MJD and Oliver. Level of competition and a 4.39 40yd. I'm all for finding diamonds, but those two are not good comparisons IMO. MJD had better lower body strength coming out too. They're both built like fire hydrants, but MJD had big-play ability that Oliver lacks. He should be busting out multiple big runs a game playing at Buffalo.

 
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They're both built like fire hydrants, but MJD had big-play ability that Oliver lacks.
Yea, I'm with you there. MJD is also arguably a top 5 RB of the last half decade though. Oliver doesn't need to be quite that good to have some value.

The two players are very similar in terms of body type. MJD is 5' 6 3/4" 207 pounds. Oliver is 5' 6 1/2" 208 pounds. He doesn't have the big play ability of MJD. That's probably a big part of what kept him out of the draft and a big part of why he might yet fail. Even most of the good big backs in the NFL have speed. Turner, Stewart, and T Richardson are all in the same 33.X BMI range as Oliver, except they all ran 4.4X in the 40. Oliver just isn't that fast. He produced very few long runs last year at Buffalo and was more of a grinder than a home run hitter. He certainly wasn't a scrub in college though. He rushed for 1535 yards last season and 1395 in 2011. Over his final three college seasons he averaged 121 rushing yards per game, which might have been the best in the nation during that time period. He also caught 75 passes, so he can be a weapon there.

As is always the case, level of investment required to acquire the player is a huge variable in whether or not it makes sense to add him to your roster. Oliver is currently free and on waivers in lots of leagues, so as long as you don't have to cut a good prospect or player to take a chance on him, he's a low risk investment. And with a few more strong preseason games, he could actually rise pretty sharply in value right away. He's not going to pull a 1st round pick just yet obviously, but one or two more strong showings in the next few weeks and you could already start to get some nibbles. 3-4 good games would have him looking less like an irrelevant longshot and more like a viable contender for a long term role. As I said previously, quite a few breakout stars initially announced their talent in the preseason. Cruz, Colston, Morris. Always good to keep an eye out.

 
Yup, 33+ BMI is thick. Not the same comparison as far as RBs go, but I've hitched my wagon to McKinnon in dynasty hoping Norvous realizes he has a super-Sproles on his roster.

 
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I'm a big Oliver fan, but there is another MJD-type Rookie RB that I'd rather have.

 
LOL. I added this guy as my one devy pick in a league last year when I had no idea about college prospects. MFL didn't even add him at first this season, so he was a sidebar note on the league message board. Only one devy pick per team, so he's gone now. I should add him in another (deeper) league. Thanks for the insight EBF.

 
Ryan is into last year of his contract, Donald Brown is not that good, Danny is not a complete RB...

so I would say that this kid is in a good situation in dynasty purposes. I have been trying to find sleeper

RB for the chargers that could eventually rise and my estimation is that I found it.

After an impressive performance against Dallas, undrafted rookie free-agent running back Branden Oliver’s best chance to make the final roster likely will be as a returner. It appears that Oliver will get that opportunity, as he worked as a kick returner and punt returner during the special teams drills for San Diego.
http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Versatile-Woodhead-Adds-Mentoring-Role-to-Arsenal/6ea87033-03e5-4623-87aa-c3b5fb081d2d

All I have heard is good things about this kid from the chargers camp and I think he will only get better!

 
I'm a big Oliver fan, but there is another MJD-type Rookie RB that I'd rather have.
Who is that?
Im sure its Freeman.
I actually would bet he's talking about Reaves. I think he tweeted about Reaves when he first joined the Panthers. That depth chart is stacked at the top with DW and Stewart, but Stew's struggled to stay healthy and DW is fighting Father Time. Barner is fighting for a roster spot.

Reaves has been impressing quite a bit in Carolina... solid bet to make the roster at this point. Don't think that necessarily puts him ahead of Oliver though.

 
Ryan is into last year of his contract, Donald Brown is not that good, Danny is not a complete RB...

so I would say that this kid is in a good situation in dynasty purposes. I have been trying to find sleeper

RB for the chargers that could eventually rise and my estimation is that I found it.

After an impressive performance against Dallas, undrafted rookie free-agent running back Branden Olivers best chance to make the final roster likely will be as a returner. It appears that Oliver will get that opportunity, as he worked as a kick returner and punt returner during the special teams drills for San Diego.
http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Versatile-Woodhead-Adds-Mentoring-Role-to-Arsenal/6ea87033-03e5-4623-87aa-c3b5fb081d2d

All I have heard is good things about this kid from the chargers camp and I think he will only get better!
i rewatched the gsme yesterday and he should have had 2 big tds if it werent for a horse collar tackle. However, donald brown also looked different like a good different. It was probably the dallas d but we will see
 
Sproles was terribly underutilized in San Diego. I think the presumption that Rivers LOVES Sproles is inaccurte. Maybe in hindsight Rivers wishes he would have shown more love. I owned Sproles all those years because I was a firm believer in his talent. It was frustrating to say the least.

 
Sproles was terribly underutilized in San Diego. I think the presumption that Rivers LOVES Sproles is inaccurte. Maybe in hindsight Rivers wishes he would have shown more love. I owned Sproles all those years because I was a firm believer in his talent. It was frustrating to say the least.
Now you have a chance to relive it with Branden Oliver, minus the frustration, hopefully.

 
Sproles was terribly underutilized in San Diego. I think the presumption that Rivers LOVES Sproles is inaccurte. Maybe in hindsight Rivers wishes he would have shown more love. I owned Sproles all those years because I was a firm believer in his talent. It was frustrating to say the least.
Now you have a chance to relive it with Branden Oliver, minus the frustration, hopefully.
With Woodhead there I expect more frustration.

 
Sproles was terribly underutilized in San Diego. I think the presumption that Rivers LOVES Sproles is inaccurte. Maybe in hindsight Rivers wishes he would have shown more love. I owned Sproles all those years because I was a firm believer in his talent. It was frustrating to say the least.
Now you have a chance to relive it with Branden Oliver, minus the frustration, hopefully.
With Woodhead there I expect more frustration.
Dynastically speaking, of course.

 
werdnoynek said:
FDC said:
I'm a big Oliver fan, but there is another MJD-type Rookie RB that I'd rather have.
Who is that?
Don't bother, he's playing the I know more than us shtick.
I'm playing the "don't be so quick to get excited about a rookie UDFA RB after only 1 preseason game when so much could still happen between now and the regular season while there is a similar RB out there who might even be better and in an equally good or bad situation (debatable) who you could get really cheap right now off waivers before he has a really good performance".

In 4 of my Dynasty leagues this past Saturday night, Oliver went for $23, $22, $16, $8. $200 budget.

 
werdnoynek said:
FDC said:
I'm a big Oliver fan, but there is another MJD-type Rookie RB that I'd rather have.
Who is that?
Don't bother, he's playing the I know more than us shtick.
I'm playing the "don't be so quick to get excited about a rookie UDFA RB after only 1 preseason game when so much could still happen between now and the regular season while there is a similar RB out there who might even be better and in an equally good or bad situation (debatable) who you could get really cheap right now off waivers before he has a really good performance".

In 4 of my Dynasty leagues this past Saturday night, Oliver went for $23, $22, $16, $8. $200 budget.
Leagues full of Shark Poolers?

 
werdnoynek said:
FDC said:
I'm a big Oliver fan, but there is another MJD-type Rookie RB that I'd rather have.
Who is that?
Don't bother, he's playing the I know more than us shtick.
I'm playing the "don't be so quick to get excited about a rookie UDFA RB after only 1 preseason game when so much could still happen between now and the regular season while there is a similar RB out there who might even be better and in an equally good or bad situation (debatable) who you could get really cheap right now off waivers before he has a really good performance".

In 4 of my Dynasty leagues this past Saturday night, Oliver went for $23, $22, $16, $8. $200 budget.
Leagues full of Shark Poolers?
Some pretty advanced guys considering all 4 leagues are Devy. And I do have a few FBGs in them.

 
werdnoynek said:
FDC said:
I'm a big Oliver fan, but there is another MJD-type Rookie RB that I'd rather have.
Who is that?
Don't bother, he's playing the I know more than us shtick.
I'm playing the "don't be so quick to get excited about a rookie UDFA RB after only 1 preseason game when so much could still happen between now and the regular season while there is a similar RB out there who might even be better and in an equally good or bad situation (debatable) who you could get really cheap right now off waivers before he has a really good performance".

In 4 of my Dynasty leagues this past Saturday night, Oliver went for $23, $22, $16, $8. $200 budget.
Leagues full of Shark Poolers?
Some pretty advanced guys considering all 4 leagues are Devy. And I do have a few FBGs in them.
I appreciate reading your posts and learn from them, but you've done the coy act more than a few times and it can get grating. Why not share your opinion or don't say anything? Those are both superior options.

 
Just a heads up - Xue's one of the most knowledgeable college football guys I know.
I agree, but I do sometimes have a hard time differentiating between "knowledgeable" and "opinionated" with him, as well as a few other prolific poster/amateur scouts. I take it for what it is--one guy on the Internet--and measure it against all other sources.

 
I picked him up off waivers today for a $1. I think I remember EBF talking about him in the spring but had forgotten about him. As a Mathews owner, I am hoping to be able to hold him through next offseason to see how this shakes out.

 
Well, I just dropped Lattimore for him. He stands a chance of taking over for Mathews if he leaves in free agency. If he only has Brown to compete with I like his odds.

 
Just a heads up - Xue's one of the most knowledgeable college football guys I know.
I know and agree. I love when he actually gives an opinion, not some hint at absolutely nothing.ETA: If you have a guy you like more but don't want to show your hand, why say anything. If you have something to share, share it. If not, move on.

 
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