3 way-too-early predictions for Saints’ 2022 season
By Kristen Wong
2. Saints’ wideout Chris Olave will win OROY
It’s only fitting that the wide receiver paired with Michael Thomas wins Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022.
After a nauseating wide receiver carousel ride that saw many of the league’s top wideouts find new homes, the NFL Draft put the next generation of receiving talents front and center.
Those competing with Olave for OROY include fellow WR rookies Drake London, Christian Watson, Skyy Moore, and Garrett Wilson, not to mention Steelers’ QB Kenny Pickett could enjoy a very impressive Year 1 as well.
For all the reasons those guys might win the coveted award, we have our reasons for why Olave will come out on top. In Michael Thomas’ first season back from injury, we’d imagine Olave gets nearly as many looks and opportunities as Thomas does this season, whether that comes in the form of a 40-yard deep throw from Jameis Winston into the end zone or a nifty catch-and-run down the sidelines.
We really like Olave’s potential fit in a new-look Saints offense that features a more reliable O-line and a healthy Winston to hurl the pigskin all year round.
Olave may not get anywhere near Ja’Marr Chase’s rookie numbers, but can he break the 1,000-yard receiving mark and tally up touchdowns throughout the season? We’d bet on it.
London has Mariota, so we’re putting that comparison to bed. We’re counting on Watson and Rodgers to not get along. Moore could find success with Mahomes, but maybe not so soon. And Wilson plays for the Jets — enough said.