Chris Olave has potential through the roof as an NFL receiver. Certain tools pop on tape immediately upon viewing. He’s quick to accelerate. Shows good hands. However, Olave is missing key components to his game that will diminish his value. Was often utilized as a decoy receiver to take attention away from Garrett Wilson. 

The Measurables

Chris Olave

Z WR – #2 Ohio State

HT: 6004
WT: 189
WING: 7268
ARM: 3018
HAND: 928
DOB: 6/27/2000

Year: Redshirt Junior
High School: Mission Hills (San Marcos, CA)
HS Rating: 3 star (0.8875)
Phil Steele: PS#224

Chris Olave scouting report

Has some speed but I don’t think that it’s top level. Seems to struggle to change direction. Doesn’t maintain his speed well while changing his direction at all. Ridiculous acceleration. Very quick to get up to speed. I don’t think that Olave offers great footwork at the top of his routes. Still looks clumsy and uncoordinated at times. Doesn’t sell his fakes as well as you’d like to see. Doesn’t work on comeback-style routes at all. Wilson ran a bunch of routes at Ohio State. Worked back to the quarterback in improv situations extremely well. Not very nuanced as a route runner.

Strong release ability. Has a couple of different release techniques that he uses, doesn’t use his hands as well as I’d like to see. Displays the ability to get two feet inbounds while working the sideline. Very solid hands. Has the ability to make strong, circus catches. Excellent vertical ability. Highpoints the ball well and attacks the catch point. Shows the ability to be an effective receiver through contact. Struggled to catch through contact in the snow elements against Michigan.

Doesn’t offer too much after the catch. Prefers to secure the catch as a possession receiver. Not a particularly strong run blocker, but is capable. Tends to be grabby. Needs to be careful with that in the future. Doesn’t consistently hold up his block.

Pre-Combine projection

Chris Olave best projects to the next level as an Z receiver, a possession type who can compliment a main receiver much like he did at Ohio State with Garrett Wilson. He has good size, speed, and ability – but his lack of route running prowess and body control are concerning for the next level which may limit his ability to perform within a pro scheme.

We like Olave as more of a second-round prospect, especially with this class of receivers. While he shows promise for the next level, we want to see more at this point before we buy into the rest of the media hype.