For the better part of three seasons, Chris Olave has established himself as one of the most explosive wide receivers in all of college football, ending his career at Ohio State as the school’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (35).
While he is versatile, Olave is at his best on the outside, where he lined up 81 percent of the time.
Off the snap of the football, Olave showcased his explosiveness and ability to beat defenders early. He is also a good route runner, but there is always room for improvement.
Olave brings above-average speed and acceleration to the table, which will help him beat enemy defenders at the next level. He will also shake them with his sudden head bobs and body movements.
When it comes to catching the football, Olave brings above-average hands to the table, accounting for five drops on 101 targets in 2021. He is also terrific at tracking the football on deep routes while excelling in making catches along the sidelines.
Chris Olave NFL Draft Outlook
Olave might not the be cream of the crop of this draft class at wide receiver, but that’s not always a bad thing. This is where draft stock comes into play.
When you are at the top of your position, you will obviously be the first player taken off the board. When you are not, you will likely slide. When you slide, you could end up landing in a prime spot.
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Players like Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams may be taken higher, but their situations will be suspect.
For Olave, he could very well end up with an established quarterback and system, which bodes well for his NFL outlook.
We should see Olave slide to the middle of the first round where teams such as the Los Angles Chargers and New Orleans Saints have selections. The middle of the first round is also a solid spot for backend teams to trade up as it won’t cost a ton compared to trading into the top 10.
Perhaps we see the Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys, who both need a wide receiver, trade up for Olave.
All of a sudden, Olave would be in a prime spot to be the most productive rookie wideout in 2022.
Chris Olave Fantasy Football Outlook
Olave has the skill set to shine in the NFl but will need some help in the form of an accomplished situation. He will likely end up in one if he indeed is selected from pick No. 15 and beyond.
In that circumstance, Olave could very well be my top-ranked rookie wideout, at least in Redraft and in Best Ball in Year 1.
Which wide receiver is coming off the #NFLDraft boards first?
🏈 Garrett Wilson (+115)
🏈 Jameson Williams (+160)
🏈 Drake London (+210)🗣 @KegsnEggs & @Marcus_Mosher pic.twitter.com/zc00fuCj4V
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) April 26, 2022
From a Dynasty perspective, I am seeing Olave go as a top 5-6 pick in rookie drafts, which is just about right.
If Olave lands in a prime destination, he could be a top-end WR2 with a backend WR1 ceiling if he pops. Again, this is all landing spot-dependent. But if Olave ends up with the Packers or Cowboys, then you will see why I am projecting him so high.
Chris Olave Scouting Report
Strengths
- Quick
- Displays savviness
- Terrific at sideline catches
- Above-average acceleration
- Good agility
- Fast but does not have elite speed
- Good route runner
- Explosive off the ball
- Terrific at changing speed during routes
- Does not fear contact despite his size
- Above-average hands
Weaknesses
- Average height and lean body
- Could play more physical
- Failed to record a 1,000-yard season
- Uses his body to secure the ball at times
- Could struggle facing bigger cornerbacks
- Primarily an outside receiver
- Not great at evading tackles after the catch
- Struggled against press coverage
- Solid blocker but could improve
