Draft Analysis: Chris Olave

February 23, 2022 /
  • Height: 6’1″
  • Weight: 189 lbs
  • College: Ohio State
  • Tape watched: Oregon, Penn State (2020, 2021), Minnesota, Purdue, Nebraska 2020,
  • NFL Comparison: Justin Jefferson

Pros

  • Route Running
    The player comp is no joke, Olave is as smooth as they come with route running. Give me the players who always seem to be open. That is what Olave does best; find space. Olave really understands the tempo and spacing elements of playing receiver. When a receiver can mix patience with burst, good things happen on a football field.
Olave stems inside, attacking where the defender wants him to go. He then snaps back outside and releases free up the field.
Olave eats up cushion with his speed, stems to the safety, then speed turns to the sideline. He also comes back towards the ball further protecting his quarterback.
  • Hands/Body Control
    There is plenty of “pluck” to Chris Olave. He excels on the sideline, making quick work of the football to concentrate on getting his feet in bounds. He tucks the ball away quickly to protect it and then carries on his way.
  • Athleticism
    Olave doesn’t possess true game changing speed and RAC abilities, but he does everything well. He moves incredibly smooth and has great acceleration. His straight line speed is enough to garner attention and help over top in some instances. He jumps well for balls in the air and outside of his catch radius.
  • Versatility
    Olave will transition in the NFL to all three receiver positions with ease. He has traits that will hold up on the perimeter and in the slot. His release package, quickness, and overall fluidity as a receiver should show profit year one.

Midline

  • Blocking
    Olave gets it done in the blocking game. Nothing particularly stands out, but he is sufficient.
Textbook stalk block from Olave, and he knows when to disengage to avoid the hold.
  • RAC
    Chris Olave probably won’t make the highlights of someone like Tyreek Hill or Deebo Samuel, but he will do enough to pick up extra yards. His size limits his broken tackle ability, but he does offer excellent acceleration and change of pace.

Cons

  • Size/Functional Strength
    The only real downside to Chris Olave is his size and strength concerns. Can he hold up against press coverage in the NFL? Will he have the longevity of a full 17 game season? There is nothing on tape to suggest these will be real issues, however there is history in the NFL of taking its toll on smaller receivers.

Overview

With the NFL game tuned in to passing the football more than ever, a receiver’s best contribution to an offense is creating separation and simply being open for as long as possible. Chris Olave checks those boxes better than almost anyone in this class. He might be the best route runner, and his athleticism is above average. He should be a day one contributor for any offense. He projects as having a similar rookie year as Devonta Smith for the Eagles. Chris Olave should hear his name on the first night of the NFL Draft.