|
|
Chris Olave NFL Draft Profile
|
Chris Olave Scouting ReportOlave's athleticism is exceptional. A former high school sprinter, Olave exhibits excellent play speed to cause problems for defensive backs. Olave demonstrates a stellar ability to blast past defensive backs at the line of scrimmage. Using a combination of his explosion, play speed, and incredible fluidity of movement, Olave creates separation. His footwork at the line of scrimmage is impressive, allowing him to gain an immediate advantage, which he solidifies with extraordinary route-running prowess. He showcases impressive football intelligence and spatial awareness. He does a superb job of finding soft spots in opposing defenses. Furthermore, his awareness helps him complete catches in tight situations while remaining in bounds. He has been used in multiple alignments during his Ohio State career. That versatility should only enhance Olave’s NFL Draft stock. |
Areas for ImprovementAt 6’1″ and 189 pounds, Olave’s game lacks physicality that could present problems for his NFL Draft stock. He doesn’t demonstrate a physicality in downfield blocking. His lack of physicality also shows in contested-catch situations. There are examples of him winning on occasion, but he needs to show improvement in that area of his game this season. |
Chris Olave Career at Ohio StateOlave landed in a packed receiving room at Ohio State. The 2018 Buckeyes boasted future NFL talents such as Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin. As a result, Olave’s early impact was limited to special teams and minimal receptions. Yet, the quiet young man from Mission Hills would soon cause a big noise. His appetite for the big game first unveiled in high school was about to be demonstrated on the national stage. Late in the season, in one of the greatest rivalry games in all of sports, Olave carved his name onto the hearts of Buckeyes fans everywhere. Utilizing his special-teams experience, he blocked a Michigan punt that resulted in a score for Ohio State. Additionally, he took his 2 receptions for 48 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Buckeyes obliterated the fourth-ranked Wolverines, 62-39. |
Chris Olave NFL Draft Player ProfileFollowing the conclusion of the regular season, Olave earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition from the conference’s coaches. Still, a bigger prize loomed on the horizon. Just one year removed from the disappointment of the playoff defeat to Clemson, a rematch presented the opportunity for redemption. Ohio State fell to Alabama in what was presumed to be Olave’s last game before heading to the NFL Draft. However, despite garnering potential first-round consideration early in the process, he opted to return for his senior season. In doing so, Olave put himself near the top of the 2022 NFL Draft receiver class. Despite a reputation for producing wide receiver talent for the NFL, Ohio State hasn’t had a first-round receiver since Ted Ginn in 2007. Although he garnered early-round potential in this year’s class, Chris Olave spurned the NFL Draft for his senior season with the Buckeyes. Will another season catapult the Ohio State WR into the first round? Could he be the best receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft? |
 |