1 bold prediction for each of the Saints draft picks in 2022

First-round pick Chris Olave will break Devery Henderson’s yard per play average

Chris Olave was the Saints’ first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6’0″ 187-pound wide receiver is a big play waiting to happen. His ability to get behind defenders will allow the Saints to generate more explosive plays.

In 2008 former Saints receiver Devery Henderson set an NFL record for receiving yards per play with a 24.8 average. In 2022 Chris Olave will break that record.

Like Henderson, I do not expect Olave to be the go-to receiver for the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees looked for Henderson when the team needed an explosive play or when the offensive needed to administer “The Kill Shot” to finish off their opponents but Marques Colston was his number one receiver.

Despite Michael Thomas’ ankle injury that kept him out for almost two seasons, I expect him to go back to being the number one guy at receiver. Jarvis Landry will be a game-changer when Thomas sees double coverage and the receiver that moves the sticks on third down. That leaves Olave as the Saints’ down-the-field threat.

Jameis Winston will have no problem airing it out down the field finding him for a big gain. At Ohio State, Olave was no stranger to the big play. He averaged 15 yards per play throughout his college career. In his first two years with the Buckeyes, he averaged 16.4 yards.

Although I believe the future is bright for Olave I don’t expect him to be the guy just yet. The Saints have an opportunity to develop him into an all-world receiver, and Olave doesn’t have to experience the pressure that most first-round picks feel — To be the guy to save the franchise. He can just play free and do one of the things he does best, and that’s stretch the field.