Expect Chris Olave to take things to another level as Saints No. 1 receiver in 2024

Since entering the NFL, wide receiver Chris Olave has been a consistent playmaker for the New Orleans Saints. That was the expectation for the talented wideout that was selected with the 11th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, despite a productive two years in the league, there’s a belief that he’s just scratching the surface of what he could be.

As a rookie, Olave played in 15 games, catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns. In year two, Olave improved those numbers, playing 16 games, catching 87 passes for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns. In year three, Olave should be able to continue his ascension towards being a top receiver in the league.

Chris Olave has a chance to be special in 2023

There are quite a few things working in Olave’s favor going into year three. For starters, Olave will be the unquestioned No. 1 receiver for the Saints. With Michael Thomas no longer in New Orleans, Olave is the leader in a receiver room with Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry.

Beyond that, Olave, like the rest of the offense, should benefit from the new offensive system being brought in by new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kubiak has made it clear that he wants to be a run-first offense. While that may not seem like a plus for receivers, it is. If the Saints can truly have a prolific rushing attack, defenses will have to commit to stopping the run. That means Olave will have a lot of one-on-one opportunities to go to work.

The most important factor, though, is that Olave will continue building his rapport with Derek Carr. This will be the first time in Olave’s young career that he has the same quarterback for back to back seasons. That means something because we saw the connection between Derek Carr and Olave improve throughout the season.

In Olave’s first eight games last season, he caught 44 passes for 517 yards and one touchdown. In his final eight games during the second half of the season, those numbers improved to 43 receptions for 606 yards and four touchdowns. Seeing the relationship grow in the span of one season should excite fans about the possibilities in year two.

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