The New Orleans Saints got a great return on their investment in 2022 from rookie wide receiver Chris Olave. The first-rounder led the team in receptions (72) and yards (1,042) finishing second in receiving touchdowns (4).

A big inspiration for Olave to do his thing in the Black and Gold was former Saints receiver Ted Ginn Jr. who played for the team for three seasons (2017-2019).

Well, Ginn showed up at the Saints minicamp last week to help out, and Olave spoke on what it was like to have him around. 

"It's huge," Olave said. "I looked up to him when I was younger watching him on TV. He came way before me so it was always the standard to be behind him. He set the standard high. I always wanted to have a play style like him. Just to have him be out there and help us and coach us is definitely helping me."

Ginn played with Michael Thomas when he was dominating the league with three consecutive 100-catch seasons and multiple All-Pro selections. Injuries derailed his 2018 campaign in New Orleans, but Ginn caught 100 of his 156 targets during his time with the Saints and scored eight touchdowns.

Olave did his damage as a rookie with what would be categorized as pedestrian quarterback play. Now, with four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr taking over, he has the opportunity to put his name among the best receivers in the league in 2023.

His play can also take an uptick if Thomas can remain healthy for the first time in four years due to the attention he'll draw. However, Olave is focused on taking it to the highest level there is.

"I want to be the best," Olave said last week, via the team's official website. "That's always been my mindset, I just want to be the best. I try to do that every day, stay consistent with my work and do everything I can to be at my best. That's my goal."

Ginn has been given the opportunity to come back for training camp to help with the Saints receivers so Olave will certainly be a sponge for the knowledge he has to give. So, Olave's second year is setting up to be a memorable one with the talent around him and the resources he has to take his game to another plateau.

Naming the ‘star’ of Saints OTAs from this offseason

He stood out.

Feature image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports