NFL Draft Odds: Is Chris Olave a Dark Horse Candidate for First Wide Receiver Drafted?

NFL Draft Odds: Is Chris Olave a Dark Horse Candidate for First Wide Receiver Drafted?

Ironically, his teammate Garrett Wilson is the favorite for the first wide receiver to be drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. We're not going to focus on Garrett Wilson or Drake London, which are the chalk answers and provide the least value, instead, we will turn our attention to the NFL Draft odds of Chris Olave.

Chris Olave was extremely productive this past year for Ohio State in 2021. He finished the season with 936 yards and 13 touchdowns. The year prior, in just seven games he went for 729 yards and seven touchdowns.

Click here for the best sportsbook offers in your state

Sure, as I mentioned Garrett Wilson gets most of the love but we can't deny how good of a prospect Chris Olave is.

At the NFL Draft combine, Chris Olave tested very well running a 4.39 40 yard dash and put up good numbers in the 20 and 10 yard split as well.

What makes him stand out is his smooth route running, his top-end speed, and burst which creates separation. The one thing that scares some scouts off is if his play strength will translate at the next level.

Now, why does this conversation come up? Well, based on predraft meetings, the Jets (who have a good chance to be the first team to draft a wide receiver) met with Chris Olave yesterday.

Obviously, this does not guarantee that he is going to be the pick and the Cowboys, who are drafting much later in the first round, are also meeting with him today but we've seen crazier things happen.

If you are to go with a value play here, I think Jameson Williams is the one where I would take the chance on at +600 but if you want to get nuts, and try to win big with an outside the box draft idea, Chris Olave is +1600 to be the first WR selected.

NFL Draft Odds: First WR Selected Odds

Bet up to $1,000 RISK FREE with FanDuel