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There continues to be an influx of talented wide receivers in the NFL draft every year and it doesn't appear that this season will be an exception. One of the most exciting wide receiver prospects from this year's draft is Chris Olave out of Ohio State, who was selected by the New Orleans Saints.
Considering that Olave was taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, he is expected to join the starting offense of the Saints. Even with Olave being extremely productive at the collegiate level, should we expect the rookie wideout to be a fantasy-relevant wide receiver in 2022?
We will decide that by taking a look at the situation he was drafted into and the players around him. Let's get started!
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Chris Olave's College Career
The Saints traded up to the No. 11 pick in the 2022 NFL draft to select Olave. New Orleans saw Olave as a can't-miss prospect and it's hard to argue with how productive the multi-talented wideout was in his collegiate career at Ohio State.
Even though Olave never managed to post over 1,000 receiving yards in a single season with the Buckeyes, he had 936 receiving yards in 2021, and he managed to total 35 receiving touchdowns in his four years in college. Olave is regarded as a route-running technician, which is evidenced by his ability to excel at creating separation and scoring touchdowns when in single-coverage.
Olave's ability to get himself open and his versatility at the wide receiver position is going to make it tough for the Saints to keep him off of the field.
Should I Draft Chris Olave in 2022 Fantasy Football Drafts?
What makes Olave a valuable addition to the Saints is his ability to perform well on the outside or in the slot. New Orleans will likely elect to rotate Olave, Michael Thomas, and Jarvis Landry in the slot to prevent teams from having an easier time game-planning against them.
Thomas is still battling back from an ankle injury that has hindered his ability to remain on the field in recent seasons and Landry has seen his numbers decline in the previous two years. While Thomas and Landry could certainly be productive with Jameis Winston under center, Olave shouldn't be a forgotten player in the offense.
When looking at Rotoballer's FFPC ADP reports, Olave is going in the same range as guys like Chase Claypool, Garrett Wilson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Rondale Moore. Of the players mentioned, Olave could find himself being the most productive wide receiver of the bunch for fantasy football, and is a strong draft target.
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