Chris Olave 2022 NFL Draft Profile

Chris Olave is a top-tier wide receiver in this year’s draft class. He was consistently productive in his four years at Ohio State, catching 175 passes for 2702 yards and 35 touchdowns. In each of his last three seasons, he had at least 700 yards and seven touchdowns, capped off by his senior campaign, in which he had 936 yards and a team-leading 13 touchdowns. Olave owns the record for most touchdown receptions in Buckeyes history.

Olave may be the most polished of all receivers in this year’s draft class. He is an advanced route runner and a reliable playmaker, with the high-end speed to threaten a defense. His running style is very fluid rather than having sudden quick bursts, and there are few wasted movements. He stays in control of his momentum, and his speed allows him to create separation from defenders. He should develop into a productive starter at the next level and be considered a safe to draft prospect with an upside.

Weaknesses

Size; his frame is not pro-ready

Strength; he will need to put in work at the gym

A press cornerback can control him if he does not win with agility

He is not a tackle breaker

Struggles with run blocking but gives effort

NFL Comparison: DeVonta Smith

Projection: First Round

Teams With Need at Position: New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles

Bottom Line On Chris Olave

If teams are looking for a speedy and versatile receiver, who can make tough catches and be a threat to score, Olave is their ideal option this year. He can play out wide or in the slot and was used to run screens and reverses. Even though the scheme at Ohio State got him some wide-open looks, he can still create separation on his own from anywhere on the field.

Olave is not a tackle breaker, but he does know how to set up his blockers and can make people miss. He nearly does everything well, and he may be the best route runner in this draft class. His size will not intimidate anyone, but he does have the leaping ability to get up and compete for high throws.

Olaves best traits are the intangibles; he is a very knowledgeable receiver with a gift for running routes and finding holes in the defense. Also, he intuitively keeps plays alive and works back to the football when the quarterback is under pressure. This skill is becoming more necessary in today’s NFL as the quarterbacks become more mobile. Even though some project him as an early second-rounder, it is hard to see him falling any further than the Green Bay Packers with pick number 22.

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