New Orleans Saints executive compares Chris Olave to Marvin Harrison
Former Ohio State Buckeye receiver Chris Olave ran routes so fluid and so effortlessly smooth during his days in Columbus, he turned it into an artform. If the football field was a canvas, Olave was the painter and his combination of silky-smooth route running and his exceptional hands often left football fans across the country dazzled by his artistry. Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, he was drawing comparisons to LA Chargers’ precise route runner, Keenan Allen. The general manager for the New Orleans Saints, Jeff Ireland, recently gave Olave even higher praise, comparing him to Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison.
“We’d like for him to be a little stronger, and we got to put some strength on him and some muscle, but every time you would turn on the tape you would see Chris Olave making a play in that game. And I like that. And so he reminds me of some players that have played in our league, the Marvin Harrisons, that were just silky smooth and effortless,” Ireland said via Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune.”And same body type. It doesn’t look like they were running fast, but when we turn on the clock, it’s like 4.3 (seconds). So there’s some really good aspects to that player.”
Olave put together quite the collegiate career at Ohio State, leaving the program as the Buckeyes’ all-time leader in receiving touchdowns. He was the second former Buckeye to get selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, joining now-former teammate Garrett Wilson. In fact, Jameson Williams went after Olave — meaning the Nos. 10-12 picks were all in the Ohio State wide receiver room at one point. Williams, of course, started his career with the Buckeyes before finishing up with Alabama in 2021.
Full details of Chris Olave’s New Orleans Saints contract released
The New Orleans Saints officially signed Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave to his four-year, fully-guaranteed rookie contract, Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson reported. Olave’s deal is worth $19.271 million and comes alongside an $11.195 million signing bonus.
His salaries or each season are as followed: $705,000 (2022), $870,000 (2023), $985,000 (2023), $1.499 million (2025), to go with guaranteed roster bonuses of $710,994, $1.471 million, $1.833 million in each of those seasons, respectively.
Olave joins the Saints after making 65 receptions for 936 yards last season. Likewise, he compiled 2,711 yards and 35 touchdowns over four seasons with the Buckeyes and looks to continue that into the pros.
“I think, besides all of the production and everything I do on the field, I feel like I’m a leader – on and off the field,” Olave said. “The way I approach the game, I feel like it’s second-to-none. I feel like that’s what separates me from the class.
“I feel like I’m a receiver of multiple traits. I’m a deep threat, and also I can run any route. I feel like that’s huge to have in the NFL, not to be just a one-level receiver. I feel like I’m a well-rounded prospect.”
On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this article.