Will Chris Olave Take Over in New Orleans?

Daniel Harms's Will Chris Olave Take Over in New Orleans? Daniel Harms Published 08/01/2023

Route running is the bedrock of a successful wide receiver's career in the NFL, and it's no different for Chris Olave. Drafted 11th overall in 2022, Olave's impressive rookie season proved that his success was no fluke. In 2023, he's going to finish as a top-12 receiver, and it's easy to see why.

My colleagues at Footballguys forecast a similar outcome.

Table: Wide Receiver Projections (PPR)

Rank Name Tm/Bye Age Gm Rush RuYds Yds/Ru RuTDs Recs ReYds Yds/Re ReYDs PPG FanPts
WR1 Justin Jefferson MIN/13 24 16.4 4.0 23 5.8 0.2 123.5 1,743 14.1 9.2 21.72 356.20
WR2 Cooper Kupp LAR/10 30 16 8.0 47 5.9 0.2 121.4 1,511 12.4 9.6 20.96 335.29
WR3 Ja'Marr Chase CIN/7 23 16.4 6.1 30 4.9 0.0 109.5 1,465 13.4 11.7 20.06 329.01
WR4 Tyreek Hill MIA/10 29 16.4 7.5 46 6.1 0.2 111.2 1,571 14.1 8.3 19.71 323.25
WR5 Stefon Diggs BUF/13 29 16.4 0.4 2 5.6 0.0 111.1 1,386 12.5 9.6 18.72 306.97
WR6 CeeDee Lamb DAL/7 24 16.4 9.6 63 6.6 0.2 104.0 1,347 12.9 8.5 18.11 296.96
WR7 Amon-Ra St. Brown DET/9 23 16.4 8.9 73 8.2 0.3 109.8 1,210 11.0 7.5 17.32 284.09
WR8 A.J. Brown PHI/10 26 16.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 86.9 1,365 15.7 9.5 17.07 279.87
WR9 Davante Adams LV/13 30 16.4 2.3 11 4.8 0.0 94.4 1,280 13.6 9.4 17.06 279.74
WR10 Garrett Wilson NYJ/7 23 16.4 3.9 18 4.7 0.0 90.8 1,235 13.6 7.3 15.84 259.71
WR11 Jaylen Waddle MIA/10 24 16.4 3.3 22 6.8 0.1 84.7 1,288 15.2 7.1 15.78 258.72
WR12 Tee Higgins CIN/7 24 16.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 85.9 1,195 13.9 7.4 15.23 249.82
WR13 Chris Olave NO/11 23 16.4 1.9 12 6.6 0.0 88.5 1,258 14.2 5.6 15.17 248.80

Despite the inconsistency in quarterback play, Olave has managed to carve out a niche for himself as the go-to receiver for New Orleans. He displayed his versatility by taking on the roles of "X," "Z," and slot receiver, handling 119 targets and gaining the trust of his team. He racked up solid fantasy production, hinting at a promising future:

  • 200.2 fantasy points (PPR)
  • WR24 ranking
  • WR26 on a per-game basis

With quarterback Derek Carr joining New Orleans, Olave's synergy with the new signal-caller is set to thrive.

Selling Routes

Olave is quickly becoming one of the most meticulous receivers in the NFL with the way he attacks corners and leverage. The Panthers show a Cover 3 shell with a deep safety and both outside corners opening slightly to the middle of the field. Olave knows he can sell the inside route, especially with the corner in position to cover the inside. He releases with an inside stem, closes the space on the corner, and forces him to open his shoulder nearly vertically in preparation to run with Olave down the field. An inside jab step leads to Olave breaking off the corner and sending him up the field, giving Jameis Winston time to find Olave wide open at the sideline.

Chris Olave's attention to detail in his routes sets him apart as one of the most precise receivers. His ability to read defenders allows him to excel at all levels of the field. As a rookie, he ranked sixth in Yards Per Route Run (YPRR), putting him in the company of some of the best rookie receivers in recent history.

The Unexpected Twist

Though not known for deep speed during his college days, Olave's sub 4.4 forty at the combine showcased his capability to win downfield. Last season, he had an impressive Average Depth of Target (ADoT) of 14.9 yards, with nearly 40% of the Saints' air yards directed toward him. Additionally, Olave's versatility was evident as he frequently moved around the field, showcasing his talent both outside and in the slot. Against San Francisco, he played the majority of the game from the slot but, on the season, played outside 66% of the time. Being able to come down in the slot and do this is an added bonus for the offense.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a PRO subscription.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

Featured Articles

 

Barkley's Workload, Hurts' Ceiling, and Even More Gibbs? The Fantasy Notebook 

Bob Harris

Bob Harris brings you a big-picture look at fantasy-specific news and notes from around the NFL with the Fantasy Notebook.

07/19/25 Read More