With the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints draft Chris Olave, wide receiver out of Ohio State. They liked him so much that the Saints actually traded with the Washington Commanders to get him. The speedster from Ohio State will take the top off the defense in this offense immediately. He is also a skilled route-runner and he tracks the ball well in the air. Let’s take a closer look at Olave.
Chris Olave Highlights
Saints Draft Chris Olave | 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Chris Olave
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 189 lbs
Age: 21
College: Ohio State Buckeyes
Chris Olave Draft Profile
Strengths
There are many reasons why Chris Olave has been trending upwards as this NFL Draft season has continued. He has the speed to be a deep threat in the NFL. On top of that, he has late hands, has sure hands, is skilled at tracking the ball in the air, and he is incredibly smooth with his body movements. Olave combines all of this with the fact that he is already a skilled route-runner, making him one of the most NFL-ready wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Weaknesses
Olave is lean, skinny, slim, or however else you’d like to describe it. Of course, so is Ja’Marr Chase, and he had the best rookie WR season of all time. Because Olave is slender and not as strong as some receivers, he doesn’t really break tackles or do much after the catch, unless he has run by everyone. Olave also isn’t going to do anything as a blocker.
RELATED | Full Chris Olave NFL Draft Profile and Highlights
Chris Olave Stats 2021 | Ohio State
G | REC | YDs | TDs | AVG |
11 | 65 | 936 | 13 | 14.4 |
What to Expect From Chris Olave in 2022
It’s clear Chris Olave was drafted this high to contribute immediately. So, look for him to play a large role in this offense. He has the speed to run past defenders, even at the NFL level. Olave also has a pro-ready route tree, so look for him to be used in creative ways his rookie year. He is especially dangerous next to Michael Thomas, and he will be able to stretch the field for Jameis Winston’s big arm.