With the 11th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Ohio State WR Chris Olave. What will Olave’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Saints’ current depth chart?
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Chris Olave drafted 11th overall by New Orleans Saints
Olave has been a first-team All-Big Ten selection in each of the last two seasons. He has the most touchdown receptions in Ohio State history with 35 and was a second-team All-American selection in 2021. Olave and Garrett Wilson become the seventh pair of wide receiver teammates selected in the first round of the same NFL Draft since 1967.
Olave’s projected rookie contract
Because Olave was the 11th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $22.0 million
- Signing Bonus: $13.2 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $4.0 million
Olave’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Saints will be getting with the selection of Olave. For further information, check out Olave’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Solid route runner who quickly gets in and out of routes, stays low on exit, and plays with terrific balance
- Shows outstanding awareness, comes back to the quarterback to make himself an available target, and uses the sidelines well
- Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage and immediately gets to top speed
Areas for improvement
- Not a big-bodied receiver and struggles in battles
- Limited after-the-catch value
- Lack of physicality may limit overall ceiling
How does Olave project in the Saints’ depth chart?
Trading up for Olave might not be the best business decision when they have a massive hole at left tackle, but he does fit the massive hole they have at receiver. All of the previous complements to Michael Thomas have been speedy receivers, but they’ve never spent this sort of capital on one.
Now they have two great Ohio State route runners. Olave also has the speed to be a downfield threat. He also consistently led the Buckeyes in touchdowns over the course of his career. He’s a silky mover, and while his game is played on the ground, he could easily end up being a Calvin Ridley type.
When do the Saints pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Olave, the Saints have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 1 (Pick 19 from Eagles)
- Round 2 (Pick 49)
- Round 5 (Pick 161)
- Round 6 (Pick 194 from Eagles)
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.
