National outlet predicts huge year for Saints' playmaker
One thing is for certain, the New Orleans Saints have the potential to put up some impressive offensive numbers in 2023. Derek Carr gives the Saints new life at quarterback. The Saints have two capable running backs in Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, wide receiver Michael Thomas will certainly produce if he stays healthy, plus tight […]
One thing is for certain, the New Orleans Saints have the potential to put up some impressive offensive numbers in 2023.
Derek Carr gives the Saints new life at quarterback. The Saints have two capable running backs in Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, wide receiver Michael Thomas will certainly produce if he stays healthy, plus tight ends Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill can make plays. However, one other weapon is getting some major recognition.
Last season as a rookie, Chris Olave had over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns, and he did so with mediocre quarterback play. With Carr, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport believes Olave has a shot to lead the NFL in receiving yards in 2023.
Olave lost out to former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, but his first season was impressive in its own right—72 catches for 1,042 yards and four scores. Davante Adams was third in the league in receiving yards last year catching passes from Derek Carr. Olave has the talent to follow suit.
Now that's some high praise.
Olave has something going for him that will aid in getting this task done and that's the Saints having several threats in the passing game bedside him. Thomas is such a matchup nightmare on the outside with his route-running ability and speed that defenses have to keep tabs on him. So, at some point, Olave will get his fair share of one-on-one opportunities against cornerbacks.
Kamara isn't just a runner, he's an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield with nearly 3,800 yards throughout his career. So, there's another player opposing defenses have to prepare for when the Saints are in passing situations, and that makes it easier for Olave to get his chances to make plays.
Then there's Olave's skill set. He has amazing footwork coming off the line scrimmage which makes him a very good route runner and he possesses excellent speed. Plus, he can be moved from the outside to the slot (played 196 snaps as a slot receiver in 2022).
He may not end up leading the league in receiving yards, but Davenport certainly expects a big year from Olave by saying he could.
