Saints Draft: Grading first-round selection of Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints‘ draft kicked off on Thursday night and the organization held two selections in the first round. They traded up from pick 16 to pick 11 and landed Ohio State’s Chris Olave, who gives them their WR2 next to Michael Thomas.

Prior to the Saints moving up to nab Olave, division rival Atlanta grabbed Drake London at No. 8 overall and the Jets then drafted fellow Ohio State wideout Garrett Wilson at 10th overall. The Saints obviously sensed that the run on wide receivers was getting underway so they were aggressive in ensuring they wouldn’t be left without one of the top names at the position.

In moving up five spots to take Olave, the Saints parted ways with their third and fourth-round picks in this year’s draft but it feels like a small price to pay for a guy who will finally make their wide receiver situation more respectable.

With all of this in mind, what grade does the Chris Olave pick deserve?

What grade do the Saints deserve for Chris Olave selection?

There are a few factors to consider with this pick. One is that the Saints had to move up five spots to get the guy they wanted. Did they have to do that? Did they overpay?

Maybe New Orleans didn’t have to trade up to get Olave but they liked the guy and didn’t feel confident enough that he’d still be there when the No. 16 pick rolled around. The Lions clearly felt things heating up because they, too, traded up to nab a wideout, grabbing Jameson Williams one pick later.

The Saints entered this draft knowing they needed a wide receiver and they went and got one. Maybe parting with a third and fourth-round pick will be seen as giving up too much but as of now, this feels fair.

Another thing to consider with any first-round selection is if they fill a position of need and are a good fit for the team drafting them. We all know that NOLA needed a wide receiver and that Olave was someone who interested them.

So, with all of that said, what grade does the Olave pick deserve? I can’t speak for all Saints fans obviously but this was a solid move for the team. They got a good player at a position of need and he’ll immediately step into the offense and make his presence known.

I’m giving the New Orleans Saints’ selection of Chris Olave an A-.

"All-time passing yards leaders in New Orleans Saints history"

What grade do you give this pick?