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2022 NFL Draft: Grading New Orleans’ No. 11 pick of Chris Olave

By Michael Hanich

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Chris Olave #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 27: Chris Olave #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Saints traded with the Washington Commanders for the 11th overall pick. With that 11th overall pick, New Orleans selected Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave and here’s our grade of the pick.

This is a critical year for the New Orleans Saints as it will be the first year without head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees on the team. With the pick, the Saints decided to give quarterback Jameis Winston another weapon in Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave.

Grade of New Orleans Pick of  Chris Olave: B+

The Saints have an older but elite former Buckeyes receiver in Michael Thomas, but they do not have much outside of that. The Saints love their speedy playmakers at receiver, and adding Olave will help the Saints tremendously.

Olave is one of the most dynamic wide receivers in this 2022 NFL Draft. Olave caught 65 receptions for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns this past season. He finished his collegiate career at Ohio State catching 175 receptions for 2,702 yards and 35 touchdowns.

His dynamic route-running, speed, reliability to catch the ball, and ability to burst through the defense will bring an immediate impact with the Saints. He will be an immediate second-option for the Saints’ offense once Thomas returns healthy.

The Saints’ offense was devastated by injuries and inconsistencies. Winston went down with a torn ACL in week eight of the 2021 NFL season and Thomas was sidelined with an ankle injury. New Orleans finished with the last-ranked passing offense in the league last season by averaging 187.4 passing yards. Adding Olave and a healthy Winston and Thomas will bring a quick rebuilding process for the Saints to potentially be back in the playoffs.

The Trade cost might be high, but so could the potential of the Saints in the 2022 NFL season.

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