Chris Olave discusses strengths on field, opens up on route-running ability

Chris Olave put together a standout career at Ohio State, there’s no question about it. Tallying 2,711 yards and 35 touchdowns over four seasons with the Buckeyes, Olave has now closed the door on his collegiate career and is ready to take his game to the next level.

Olave took the first step in doing just that last Thursday night, as he was selected No. 11 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. As Olave makes the move to New Orleans, he’ll be focused on making an immediate impact as a part of the Saints’ offense.

In his first press conference after being selected by the Saints, Olave discussed his strengths on the field and what he brings to New Orleans.

“I feel like I have a lot of strengths in my game,” Olave said. “I’ve got to get my weaknesses up to strengths, but I feel like just being a complete receiver. I can do a lot of things. You can plug me in slot or the outside. … I just want to make plays at the end of the day.”

Continuing the discussion, Olave was also asked about his route-running ability – specifically how it adds to his overall style of play and how he practices it.

“It’s a lot of film study, a lot of individual work,” Olave said. “Just extra work. Just trying to set my tempo and change my tempo up on my routes. There’s a lot of different things that I do – watch a lot of film on different players, also. I do a lot of things to try and develop my route running.”

Olave heads to the Saints after making 65 receptions for 936 yards last season. His best game of the year came in Ohio State’s win over Michigan State on Nov. 20, as Olave reeled in seven catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns.