'Why Chris Olave?'
In the mold of Brandin Cooks -- meshed with the fluidity & ball tracking capabilities of Tyler Lockett
Through break transitions
Fluid - decisive - precise.
Have to enjoy Olave’s expertise in attacking singular defenders near the goal-line.
As a mover, you look at the space he creates with the right foot led jab, into a crossover step all while creating the image of an inside break with the shoulder and head.
Olave attacks leverage tells efficiently.
Has an advanced understanding of “when” to begin his path and transition out of it.
One of the elements that makes Olave so difficult to cover man to man is his fluidity.
As mentioned before, Wilson has a substantial toolbox at the line of scrimmage and in route. Changes tempo, length, and pace with ease to cross a defender's face.
Love the long to short stride mechanic here, he does this frequently to manipulate in singular engagements.
Hard to judge pace with that level of fluidity.
Like the decel/skip then the toe step by Olave to create here.
Even though it doesn’t look like it, he is accelerating at a high rate out of these breaks.
Release variation
Not an overly broad toolbox of releases at the line of scrimmage - Olave is most effective when he can into his route quickly and control transitions.
Again, quick wide angular plant outside to slightly shift the corner’s momentum boundary side - then a race to the goalpost.
A race that Olave wins nine times out of ten, especially if he creates a false step with his release.
Play speed
Olave’s stride efficiency stands out on tape.
Nothing rushed - great tempo, and fluidity when running his vertical tree.
Last year was a good contrast in movement signatures from two unique talents in Jaylen Waddle & Devonta Smith.
Both have impressive 100m wind-legal personal bests.
Smith - 10.67 | Waddle - 10.84
Who looks faster and does that matter?
Olave doesn’t have to look fast from a frequency standpoint to be a chore to keep up with downfield especially when you can deviate path like he can without a loss in velocity.
Olave is a glider who is deceptive with how easily he can throttle down or re-accelerate.
We see this with the ball in the air with Olave often, has a knack for knowing which gear to hit to make it easier to make a play.
Watch how easily Olave accelerates away from #24.
He’s not a premier after the catch threat, but if you don’t take proper angles on him he can do some damage.
Yards created post catch
Olave’s field IQ & decision making as a ball carrier can make him efficient here.
Can set up blocks, and has a good understanding of spacing when in the open.
Pathing - pathing - pathing
Understanding where defenders are going is what Olave does well.
Not physically imposing, but can create when defensive mistakes are made.
In-air adjustments & catch concentration through contact
Olave’s tracking capabilities are some of the best in this draft cycle.
Can use a variety of different hand positions, and contort to catch off-target or away from frame throws.
Makes these type of adjustments make routine.
Opposite end tracking (head back eyes up) is not easy - but like a lot of elements in Olave’s game, he can make it look as such.
Have to enjoy the ability to adjust to the miss by Fields.
This is a likely touchdown if ahead of him, but Olave notices the flight path and makes the proper adjustment.
This is where the Tyler Lockett mesh comparable comes into play.
Uncanny ability to make the correct adjustments through contact time after time despite his smaller stature.
These are the plays he’s going to have to make in the NFL, and it’s great to see him do this against good corners like Porter Jr. in college.
Like the use of hands early in route, Porter is a longer defender, but Olave does a nice job of staying in control and not deviating path.
Ascension grades
Tier 1: 75.00 & over -- Gold Jacket potential
Tier 2: 65.00 - 74.99 -- All-pro ceiling
Tier 3: 55.00 - 64.99 -- Pro-bowl ceiling
Tier 4: 49.98 - 54.99 -- High floor primary receiving option
Tier 5: 44.96 - 49.97 -- High ceiling / High-risk prospect
Tier 6: 39.50 - 44.95 -- Niche role player / spot producer
Tier 7: 39.49 & below -- Depth player with low ceiling
