Branden Oliver San Diego Chargers

Last week Conrad went about describing the very full San Diego Backfield as he tried to handicap Branden Olivers chances of making it with the Chargers. The verdict was that "BO" had the opportunity to make the practice squad if he could play to the level we UB fans know he can play up to.

Well so far so Good for Oliver

Branden Oliver stands out, plus leftover San Diego Chargers OTA notes - ESPN
Undrafted rookie free-agent running back Branden Oliver caught my eye again Monday. The University of Buffalo product does not have elite top-end speed, running a 4.56-second, 40-yard time at his pro day. But he consistently showed good vision and quickness through the hole during 11-on-11 drills, with the ability to make defenders miss. Again, take this with a grain of salt because guys do not have pads on and no one is tackling anybody. But Oliver looks like he belongs so far running with the second and third units.

Oliver is not the fastest guy in the world but the 4.56 pro day sprint does not do service to what he does on the field.In an open sprint he is not going to outrun too many guys in an NFL defensive backfield but Olvier's vision and decision making allow him to put defenders out of place.

For two straight seasons Oliver was on the Doak Walker watchlist. Still questions about Oliver's size and speed had him listed as the 45th best running back in this years NFL draft. That gave Indy a chance to pick him up but the Colts only wanted to give Oliver a tryout, San Diego was ready to hand him a contract.

The fact he is holding his own with the second and third teams bodes well for Oliver. Last week some were saying that if he was lucky BO could make the practice squad, right now it looks like the practice squad might be the floor.