Once the New Orleans Saints snagged their franchise quarterback in early March, Derek Carr, they started to add some pieces around him to bolster the offense. 

Running back Jamaal Williams was brought in to pair with Alvin Kamara. Also, the Saints signed veteran wide receiver Bryan Edwards and a familiar face in tight end Foster Moreau who played with Carr in Las Vegas as a part of the Raiders. 

Perhaps the biggest weapon Carr has, depending on how Michael Thomas bounces back from his foot injury, is second-year receiver Chris Olave. He was one of the best outside receivers as a rookie, and he was also proficient in another area, producing against zone coverage. 

Receiving grade vs zone coverage: 82.2

As the second rookie that made this list, Olave made some incredible plays down the field against zone coverage in his debut season for the Saints. Joining London on this list, Olave actually led all rookies with a 2.67 yards per route run number facing this particular scheme. It cannot be understated how tough it is to be the No. 1 target on your team as a rookie, and Olave did just that.

He consistently won down the field as well, as he was one of just 11 receivers that had over a 15.0-yard average depth of target when facing zone coverage. Of those particular 11 receivers, Olave’s 82.2 receiving grade was about 10 points higher than the next player. New Orleans hit on a talented wideout in Olave, and if Michael Thomas can return to full strength, this could be one of the best duos in the NFL.-Braxton Howard, PFF

No disrespect to veteran quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton, but they didn't exactly light it up in 2022. However, Olave still managed to haul in 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns.

Carr hasn't played a meaningful game with Olave yet, but he's already starting to build some chemistry with the young stud, especially during OTAs where he shined. 

"He loves to work, he keeps his head down, doesn’t say much until it’s time,” Carr said last month. "He went up there, got the ball, and we’re just building on that. Watching him run, it’s been a treat, him and Rashid (Shaheed) can fly, and not only can they fly, they can run routes and play football, so it’s fun for me to watch."

Olave has shown he can produce in multiple ways and situations, so Carr will undoubtedly be salivating every Sunday when thinking about getting him the football. 

Saints’ playmaker inspired by former first-round pick

He picked a good one.

Feature image via Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports