2022 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers replace Tom Brady with sleeper QB
By Randy Gurzi
15. Ohio State. 18. player. Chris Olave. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR
18. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The New Orleans Saints got some shocking news recently when Sean Payton elected to call it a career. While he admitted he could eventually return, the long-time head coach decided to step away and the Saints will be going through another major change just one year after they saw quarterback Drew Brees retire.
One of their biggest issues is going to be figuring out the cap space. They’re once again in the hole in a huge way and while Mickey Loomis has always been good about moving money around, it feels inevitable that they’re going to have a disastrous season eventually as they bite the bullet and eat some of their dead money — which they have been continually kicking down the road hoping for one more run with Payton.
As for their roster, they could go in a couple of directions but the one that makes the most sense is probably wide receiver. With Michael Thomas dealing with one injury after another as of late, adding another player who can take some pressure off of him and step up while he’s out will be essential.
That player could be Chris Olave who was a stand-out at Ohio State. He’s a smooth route runner who benefited from playing one more year with the Buckeyes. In the NFL, he will also benefit on a team such as the Saints where he won’t be asked to carry the load by himself and can work his way into a role at the next level.