Chris Olave Talks Saints Stars On The Richard Sherman Podcast

The New Orleans Saints second-year wide receiver joined The Richard Sherman podcast.

Last week, the Saints' second-year wide receiver Chris Olave paid a visit to the Richard Sherman Podcast.  The All-Pro defensive back spoke to Olave about his decision to leave California, Ohio State receivers in the NFL, and Saints players, new and old, like Derek Carr, Michael Thomas, Marshon Lattimore, and Ted Ginn Jr.

ON DEREK CARR

Sherman inquired about his relationship with Carr.  Olave responded, "Hey, yeah, we've been brewing.  We've been cooking up a slice. Keeps getting better and better just being on the field together.  Staying consistent, and that's how we are.  That's how everybody builds chemistry...he always makes a young player better, so I'm excited. I'm excited to play with him."

Olave on Richard Sherman Podcast; Credit: The Richard Sherman Podcast

ON MICHAEL THOMAS

"He's always been mentoring me since I got drafted, and he always looked out for me," Olave told Sherman of Thomas.  "He's really behind the scenes, but he does so much for me in my rookie year I can't even explain.  I'm excited to be able to play with him again too.  He works so hard.  We all know we could do on the field when he's healthy.  He's one of the best singers in the NFL, if not the best.  I'm excited to play with him again."

ON LATTIMORE

"He's a smooth dude.  I like his game a lot.  He doesn't really talk much.  He's a smooth lockdown corner.  Just the example he sets and the standard he sets.   That's what I look at. I've studied success and the years he's been in the league and multiple Pro Bowls.  I kind of take after him and follow him.  I follow his steps in practice."

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during passing drills during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

ON TED GINN JR

A few of Chris Olave's receiving idols were Randy Moss, Odell Beckham Jr., and former Saints receiver Ted Ginn Jr. — who was helping to coach the team's wideouts during minicamp.  "I watched a lot of Ted Ginn.  I love Ted Ginn.  The excitement he brought to the game every time he touched the ball, he might score.  So I watched a lot of Ted Ginn."

Chris Olave was in the running for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 before an injury kept him sidelined for two games.  Garrett Wilson, a former teammate of Olave at Ohio State, eclipsed Olave's stats and received the top votes for the honor.  However, Wilson and Olave were voted to the 2023 Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team.

New Orleans' young receiver led the team recording 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns in his first season.  Olave feels the preparation and the elite competition in college made his transition to the pros much easier.  "I thought it was going to be way harder.  I thought it was going to be a lot tougher.  When you go to play for Ohio State, they prepare you for that — it was kind of a lot smoother than I thought."

The Saints and Derek Carr need a highly productive sophomore season from Olave to potentially surpass his impressive rookie year.   The trio of Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed should keep defensive secondaries off balance.  Then again, the New Orleans receivers must remain healthy throughout the season for the Saints to have a shot at returning to the NFL Playoffs.