2022 NFL Draft: 3 options at wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills
Chris Olave, Ohio State
It’s no secret that Chris Olave is easily the most established route runner in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he’s also the player most likely to make an immediate impact. While he may not overwhelm you with his size or speed like other receivers, he’s undoubtedly the most well-rounded and accomplished of the bunch.
Throughout his four years at Ohio State, Olave improved each season he was on the field and even finished his collegiate career with the most touchdowns in Ohio State football history (35). As well as third all-time in receptions (176), and fifth in yards (2,711).
A program that is renowned for producing elite receivers, not the least of which includes Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, and Terry McLaurin, as well as Hall of Famer, Cris Carter.
Olave was hot out of the gate in 2019 as the team’s leading receiver, finishing with 849 yards and 12 touchdowns on 49 receptions during his sophomore year. He then proceeded to follow this up with 729 yards and 7 touchdowns on 50 receptions in 2020, a season that was cut short due to the pandemic; before capping his Buckeye career off with 936 yards and a team-high 13 touchdowns in his final senior year at Ohio State.
While his 6’0″, 187-pound frame might not jump off the page, he more than makes up for it with his clever route running, reliable hands, and incredible body control. Not to mention his sneaky speed, which was on full display at the NFL Combine when he ran an impressive 4.39 40-yard dash time, which is good enough to be the 8th-best in a record-setting year for wide receivers.
Plus, with 13 of his 65 catches ending in scores last season, he’s already proven that he can become a consistent deep threat. Olave managed to average over 15 yards per reception in his four years at OSU, something that will surely be taken advantage of with a gunslinger like Josh Allen at quarterback.
Of the players on this list, Chris Olave is probably the most NFL-ready. Unfortunately, he’s also the most likely to be off the board by the time the Buffalo Bills pick rolls around at No. 25.