Chris Olave Graded Among NFL's Best Against Zone Coverage

See where Saints WR Chris Olave was graded in his first year by this national publication.

Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints is coming off a fantastic rookie campaign. The first of two first-round picks by the Saints in 2022, Olave was the 11th overall choice and the third wideout chosen. He had 176 receptions for 2,711 yards and 35 touchdowns in four years at Ohio State, including a Big Ten-leading 13 touchdown receptions in 2021. Olave finished as the Buckeyes all-time leader in touchdown receptions. 

A top NFL wideout must be equally effective against a variety of coverages. Olave proved just that as a rookie, showing the route precision of a seasoned Pro Bowler. In a June article for Pro Football Focus, writer Braxton Howard ranked that site's top-10 receivers against zone coverage last year.

Olave came in at Number 10, according to the PFF grading system. Here's what Howard had to say about Olave’s rookie achievements. 

10. CHRIS OLAVE, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Receiving grade vs. zone coverage: 82.2

As the second rookie that made this list, Olave made some incredible plays down the field against zone coverage in his debut season for the Saints. Joining Drake London (Falcons), on this list, Olave actually led all rookies with a 2.67 yards per route run number facing this particular scheme. It cannot be understated how tough it is to be the No. 1 target on your team as a rookie, and Olave did just that.

He consistently won down the field as well, as he was one of just 11 receivers that had over a 15.0-yard average depth of target when facing zone coverage. Of those particular 11 receivers, Olave’s 82.2 receiving grade was about 10 points higher than the next player. New Orleans hit on a talented wideout in Olave, and if Michael Thomas can return to full strength, this could be one of the best duos in the NFL. 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) catches the ball against Carolina Panthers cornerback CJ Henderson (24). Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Howard had Olave ranked behind only Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Davante Adams (Raiders), Cooper Kupp (Rams), London (Falcons), Terry McLaurin (Washington), Deebo Samuel (49ers), Stefon Diggs (Bills), and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions) for their performance against zone coverage in 2022.

Thrust into an even more prominent role after injuries to wideouts Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Deonte Harty, Olave thrived in his first season. He led the Saints with 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and caught four touchdowns. Olave became just the third player in franchise history to have over 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie, joining only Thomas and Marques Colston. 

Despite the team’s lack of receiving weapons and inconsistent quarterback play, Olave remained consistently productive. He caught at least four balls in 12 of his 15 contests and had over 60 yards in nine games, including three 100-yard outings. 

Olave was targeted a team-high 119 times, significantly more than RB Alvin Kamara (77) or TE Juwan Johnson (65), who were second and third on the team. Jarvis Landry, who had just 39 targets, was the team’s next highest targeted wideout. 

A dangerous runner in the open field, Olave can make defenses regret softer coverage. His speed and route precision made him a handful for opponents whether in man or zone coverages. Of Olave’s 72 catches, 52 of them resulted in a first down or touchdown. 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) runs after a catch against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Playing at 6-feet and 187-Lbs. as a rookie, many were concerned that Olave would wear down against the pounding of NFL defenses. He proved the contrary, as he was extremely effective in traffic and still excelled late in the year.

Chris Olave, just 23, appears to have a bright future ahead. Expect him to be even better in 2023 with a year of pro experience. He looks to become just the sixth player in franchise history to have consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Olave also won't be the only threat that New Orleans opponents will have to deal with in 2023.

The Saints expect a return to health from Thomas, and continued development from surprise 2022 rookie Rashid Shaheed. Additionally, the Saints also have two terrific running backs in Kamara and Jamaal Williams and a strong tandem of tight ends with Johnson and Foster Moreau. 

New Orleans ranked 16th in passing production in 2022 after finishing dead last in that category in 2021 and just 19th during 2020. With Olave’s abilities, additional weapons around him, and a vastly better quarterback in Derek Carr, the 2023 Saints could finish among the league's top offenses.