Chris Olave | Ohio State 6’0” 187 lbs. |06/27/2000 (Age 21)
Chris Olave was drafted 11th overall by the New Orleans Saints, becoming the third wide receiver and 11th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2018 (FR) | 7 | 12 | 197 | 16.4 | 3 |
| 2019 (SO) | 13 | 48 | 840 | 17.5 | 12 |
| 2020 (JR) | 7 | 50 | 729 | 14.6 | 7 |
| 2021 (SR) | 11 | 65 | 936 | 14.4 | 13 |
Olave has been one of the most productive collegiate wideouts the past few years. He didn’t see the field much during his freshman season, but he was impactful in his limited time. In seven games, Olave hauled in 12 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns. During his sophomore season, he started to turn heads as he hauled in 48 receptions for 840 yards and 12 touchdowns. His Junior and Senior seasons were just as impressive, and he finished his career with 176 career receptions (third in school history), 2,711 receiving yards (fifth in school history), and 35 touchdown receptions (first in school history).
STRENGTHS
Tremendous top-end speed, as he often excels in vertical opportunities. Polished route runner who specializes in quick hitches and curl routes. Human highlight reel that often comes down with the big play. Consistently wins contested situations, as he displays soft hands and makes plays in the air look effortless. Great at finding the soft spots in zone coverages, and he’s excellent when it comes to the scramble drill. Spacial awareness is off the charts, and he can line up on the outside or in the slot.
WEAKNESSES
Strength is a major concern. Lacks the ability to hold off blocks, especially in run block situations. Not a ton of snaps against press coverage, and he’s not a big YAC guy.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Olave measured in at 6’0” and 187 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 25.15. His best 40-yard dash time was 4.39-seconds which equates to a 99.3-Speed Score, and at 6’0” that is a 99.73-Height Adjusted Speed Score, both figures are in the top 68th percentile or higher.
His athletic testing doesn’t scream elite, but he does everything well. Olave showed great athleticism, as he posted a 32” vertical and a 124” broad jump. He decided to not participate in the other athletic testing events. His 40-time did measure in the 98th percentile, which is elite at his position. He also finished his 2021 season in the 96th percentile in separation against single coverage. But his one red flag is his strength, which may be why he didn’t participate in the strength drills.
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Fair
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great
Olave was selected 11th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Opposing defenses will struggle to defend both Olave and Michael Thomas. The two Ohio State products could immediately form one of the best wide receiver duos in the league.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Olave adds a one-two punch with Michael Thomas in the Saints’ new offense. Pegged as a future PPR machine, expect Olave to contribute right away. Outside of Thomas and Olave, New Orleans lacks talent at the wide receiver position. He could be a WR2-talent right away for fantasy teams, and he NEEDS to be targeted early in Dynasty start-ups and redraft leagues.
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