Prospect Bio

Hailing from San Ysidro, California, Chris Olave was a three sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field. Olave signed with Ohio State as a member of their 2018 signing class. According to 247Sports, Olave was the third lowest commit in that class for Ohio State and the third receiver in their respective class. Olave played limited in his freshman year, but enough to avoid a redshirt season.

In his sophomore year, Olave hit it off with now Bears quarterback Justin Fields. Olave finished second on the team in receptions (48) and led the team in receiving yards (840) and touchdowns (12). This was only the beginning for Olave; he followed up his sophomore season with a monster junior year shortened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Olave finished as the team leader in receptions (50), receiving yards (729) and touchdowns (seven). Olave recorded at least five receptions and sixty yards in each game, with five of seven going for over 100 yards. Ohio State finished as the runner-up to Alabama in the national championship game.

While many believed Olave would declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, he returned to Ohio State for his senior year. With an early loss to Oregon and losing to rival Michigan, Olave and the Buckeyes failed to return to the College Football Playoff. However, Olave did manage to finish top-50 nationally in receptions and receiving yards. Olave finished his Ohio State career with the third most receptions (175), fifth most receiving yards (2,702), and most touchdowns (35) in school history. Two other players rank in the top-five amongst former Buckeyes, Cris Carter and David Boston.

College Stats

Chris Olave College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference.com

Positives

+ Great route runner

+ Good hands

+ Creates separation at line of scrimmage

+ Strong footwork

+ Good lateral quickness

+ Good against press defense

+ High sideline awareness

+ Creates explosive plays

+ Great run after catch

+ High effort player

+ 19.2 breakout age (85th-percentile, PlayerProfiler)

Negatives

– Run blocking needs improvement

– Little experience in return game…one kick return and two punt returns over four years

– 31.9 percent college dominator (58th-percentile (PlayerProfiler)

– Lighter frame…6-1, 188 pounds

Highlight Reel

Best Comparable Players: Devonta Smith/JuJu Smith-Schuster

NFL Draft Projection: First Round

Bottom Line:

Olave would have been a first round pick in a strong wide receiver class had he declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. His senior year did not harm his draft status, now having the potential to be the first off the board this April. He leaves a program atop the all-time list in multiple categories, from a school known for producing NFL receivers. Olave has an opportunity to be a featured receiver for an offense coming off a playoff berth, with versatility to be used across the field. What Olave lacks in a smaller frame he makes up for in crisp route running and a high football IQ. Even with a smaller frame, we saw a comparable player in Devonta Smith have success in his rookie season. Olave will likely find himself going in the first round of dynasty rookie drafts.

Post Draft Analysis:

The Saints traded up to select Chris Olave with the 11th overall pick. They pair him with fellow Ohio State alum Michael Thomas. If we get the Buccaneers version of Jameis Winston, this could be a fun duo. While Thomas is the established alpha in the offense, he’s no spring chicken and hasn’t had a healthy season since 2019. The baton may be passed to Olave sooner than later.

Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF

Yards Per-Formance Prospect Grade