Chris Olave NFL Draft Player Prop Bets
Ohio State possessed college football’s most productive wide receiver duo in 2021. One of those special wideouts was Chris Olave, who is likely to hear his name called early at the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.
Flanked by fellow top prospect Garrett Wilson, Olave was a touchdown machine in Columbus. The 21-year-old found the endzone 13 times last season to lead the Big Ten. He finished his four-year collegiate career as one of OSU’s all-time great receivers, ranking first in school history in receiving TDs (35), third in receptions (176), and fifth in yards (2,711).
The time has come for Olave to leave the Scarlet and Gray and enter the professional ranks, where he’ll look to become an impact receiver from his first day on the job. But before he takes the stage in Las Vegas, consider a few prop bets involving the former Buckeye star.
Chris Olave Draft Position O/U 16.5 (-114)
Unlike Wilson, who’s entrenched in the top-ten conversation, Olave is projected as a mid-first-rounder. It doesn’t get more middle than pick 16.5, where the books have his over-under currently pegged.
Based on team needs and natural fits, the Atlanta Falcons (No. 8) are the first team that could realistically grab a wide receiver. The New York Jets (No. 10), Washington Commanders (No. 11), Minnesota Vikings (No. 12), and Philadelphia Eagles (No. 15 and 16) could all be players for a standout WR like Olave.
Of course, Olave faces some stiff competition. In addition to his former teammate Wilson, Alabama’s Jameson Williams and USC’s Drake London are almost unanimously ranked ahead of him in scouting reports and mock drafts.
If Olave doesn’t go within the first 16 picks, the New Orleans Saints (No. 18) and Eagles again (No. 19) might be at play.
Chris Olave First WR Selected (+1800)
Olave is one of several high-caliber wide receivers who make up this impressive draft class. And while his expected draft slot pegs him as a mid-first prospect, he’s very likely to be a first-round pick in general. But is there a chance the Southern California native becomes the first receiver drafted on Thursday?
The odds have Olave at +1400, a distant fourth behind Wilson (-118), Williams (+175), and London (+175). But all it takes is one team to fall in love with the 6-foot Buckeye. That team, for instance, could be the Commanders.
It’s no secret that Washington, which owns the 11th pick in the first round, has a glaring need at receiver. Besides Terry McLaurin, new QB Carson Wentz has Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown, the two of whom combined for a measly 18 receptions in 2021. And Ron Rivera, Washington’s head coach, was in person for OSU’s pro day.
Sure, the Commanders could have serious interest in Wilson. But who’s to say they didn’t fall in love with Olave during their time in Columbus? Perhaps Washington will use its first-round pick to form a Buckeye WR trifecta of McLaurin, Samuel, and Olave.
Chris Olave Top-10 Selection (+1500)
If you want to get even wilder, Olave has an outside shot at going within the first ten picks. The odds, as you can see, aren’t great. But the value is there.
Like the example with Washington, this bet could only hit if a surprise team ranks Olave higher than most pundits do. That team could be the Jets, who also possess the fourth-overall pick to go with the 10th selection in the ‘22 NFL Draft.
According to numerous sources, Gang Green has hosted both Olave and Wilson for pre-draft visits. With Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Braxton Berrios serving as Zach Wilson’s top weapons, there’s a need for either Buckeye wideout when New York’s second pick rolls around. So if a team like Atlanta grabs Wilson, who’s to see the Jets don’t pivot to Olave at ten?
It would be surprising to see this bet hit like the prop bet mentioned above. However, at least Olave wouldn’t have to be the first wideout off the board for it to cash.
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