Chris Olave named finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year

Chris Olave has taken a major step towards one of the NFL’s top awards.

On Tuesday, the former Ohio State wide receiver turned New Orleans Saints star was revealed to be a finalist for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Congrats to #Saints WR @chrisolave_ for being named a finalist for @NFL Rookie of the Year!

Vote for Olave to win NFL Rookie of the Year:https://t.co/KUQtbFQqzi pic.twitter.com/JY4dZkhsn4

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 17, 2023

“Congrats to #Saints WR @chrisolave_ for being named a finalist for @NFL Rookie of the Year!” tweeted the franchise.

Moreover, Olave is one of six finalists, including New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker, New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.

While Olave may not be the favorite for the award, he has a compelling case. In 2022, the Saints wide receiver accumulated 72 receptions, 1,042 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Additionally, the former Ohio State star dealt with a bevy of changes at the quarterback position throughout the season as well, catching passes from Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill. The position may be in flux, but whoever the signal caller is for New Orleans moving forward has a star to throw passes too.

Time will tell if Chris Olave can rise above the rest and capture the NFL Rookie of the Year Award, but just the fact he’s mentioned among the best proves he’s already making an undeniable impact.

Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson combine to make unique NFL history as rookies

The wide receiver talent to come out of Ohio State has been some of the best, if not the best, in the NFL. However, the pair of top Buckeye receivers that were selected in last year’s NFL Draft, Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, have just made history as their first regular seasons wrap up today.

Per Albert Breer of The MMQB, Olave and Wilson are now the first pair of rookies to each total 1,000 or more receiving yards over the course of their first years.

“Saints WR Chris Olave and Jets WR Garrett Wilson just became the first pair of receivers from the same school to top 1,000 yards as rookies in NFL history,” tweeted Breer.

Wilson led the way between the two for the Jets with 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. At just 22 years old, he was by far the most productive receiver for New York. Meanwhile, Olave produced 72 catches for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns for New Orleans. His numbers also led the Saints in receiving as well.

Ohio State’s program just spits top-notch receiver talent out of Columbus each and every season. That doesn’t seem to be stopping with these two prospects either as both Olave and Wilson look primed to be key pieces for their respective franchises for years to come.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this article.