Chris Olave’s Transition to a Prominent Role with the New Orleans Saints

Chris Olave, the young wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, is embracing his new role as the team’s primary target following the departure of veteran receiver Michael Thomas. Olave, who began his NFL career in 2022, has made it his goal to become a more complete player by focusing on areas where he previously experienced deficiencies, such as blocking.

According to a report by Katherine Terrell for ESPN, Olave acknowledged the importance of becoming a reliable player in all phases of the game. “I just want to be an every-down receiver,” Olave stated. “Even on running plays, I want to be trusted to make blocks.” This statement comes after his summer training, during which he worked on his strength and blocking ability.

Olave’s evolution is particularly significant as the Saints attempt to recover from a two-game losing streak. Saints quarterback Derek Carr has noticed Olave’s shift in mentality, noting his determination to catch every pass. Carr remarked during the training camp, “In his mind, every ball is his.”

Olave’s performance has also caught the attention of the team’s coaches. Saints receivers coach Keith Williams commented, “The fact that he focused on that growth area is notable. He was enthusiastic about the team’s game plan and his blocking.” Olave’s improvement is evident in his statistics; he currently leads the team with 20 receptions for 265 yards and a touchdown.

Offensive coordinator Kubiak‘s scheme, which involves more blocking responsibilities, has posed a challenge for Olave, who admitted to struggling with this aspect initially. However, his willingness to adapt has been praised by his teammates and coaches, including offensive line coach John Benton, who lauded the wide receivers’ blocking efforts for their success in the running game.

The Saints made strategic changes to their team structure, with key departures and hires aiming to solidify their offensive department. The release of Michael Thomas in March left Olave and Rashid Shaheed to lead the receivers. Additionally, experts have speculated about potential trades that could further influence the roster; ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported speculation about trades involving players who have previously worked with Carr.

Despite these changes, Olave’s performance continues to set a high benchmark for his teammates. His ability to adapt and his work ethic have impressed many within the organization, including fellow receiver Keith Williams, who highlighted Olave’s commitment to practice and skill refinement. Olave, who learned the value of hard work during his college days at Ohio State, remains determined to advance his skills and contribute to the team’s overall success.