Chris Olave makes case to be No. 1 receiver drafted on First Take

Chris Olave put together a standout career at Ohio State, there’s no question about it. Tallying 2,711 yards and 35 touchdowns over four seasons with the Buckeyes, Olave has now closed the door on his collegiate career and is ready to take his game to the next level.

Now a projected first-round NFL Draft pick, Olave has the experience and skills needed to become a successful NFL wide receiver – and that’s been made possible by his time at Ohio State. A former On3 Consensus four-star recruit who held a number of scholarship offers coming out of Mission Hills (California) High School, Olave could’ve stayed close to home and played in the Pac-12, but he ultimately made the decision to go to OSU.

Following his time with the Buckeyes, Olave is now set to hear his name called on Thursday night as the NFL Draft gets underway in Las Vegas. Ahead of the draft, the wide receiver joined ESPN’s First Take on Thursday morning and made his case to be the first wideout selected.

“I think, besides all of the production and everything I do on the field, I feel like I’m a leader – on and off the field,” Olave said. “The way I approach the game, I feel like it’s second-to-none. I feel like that’s what separates me from the class.”

When asked by Stephen A. Smith how Olave feels he should be viewed, the wide receiver said he has a versatility that’s different than the other wideouts in the 2022 draft class.

“I feel like I’m a receiver of multiple traits,” Olave said. “I’m a deep threat, and also I can run any route. I feel like that’s huge to have in the NFL, not to be just a one-level receiver. I feel like I’m a well-rounded prospect.”

The NFL Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network.