2021 NFL Draft: Chris Olave puts on a show in the Sugar Bowl

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave likely boosted his 2021 NFL Draft stock with his big-time performance in the Sugar Bowl.

The 2021 NFL Draft class is absolutely loaded with talent at the wide receiver position. There is more than enough pass-catching talent to go around in this class, as teams will likely be able to find potential impact players at the position as late as Day 3.

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave has gone a bit under-the-radar over the season but he put his name back on the map in a big way in the Sugar Bowl. Olave was impressive in Ohio State’s 49-28 victory over Clemson to send them to the National Championship Game, hauling in six receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

Olave burned Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick multiple times on the outside, beating him with quick routes and blazing speed all night long. Kendrick is considered by most to be a fringe first-round 2021 NFL Draft prospect and Olave putting on a show against him is obviously a great sign.

How high can Olave soar up 2021 NFL Draft boards?

Olave is a smooth and precise route runner who uses his quick feet and instant acceleration to shake most defenders in man coverage. He also displays impressive on-field awareness, showing the ability to find open space against zone coverage a majority of the time. Olave is also a strong jump-ball receiver who attacks the ball in the air extremely well against tight coverage.

The Ohio State product is a true big-play weapon who can also make an impact in the short-to-intermediate range. Olave’s combination of route running and speed makes him a threat everywhere on the field and it will be extremely interesting to see what he can do in the National Championship Game against Alabama.

Alabama’s defense features Patrick Surtain II, who many consider the top cornerback in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Kendrick was a tough test but Surtain is on another level. If Olave can make some noise against Surtain, expect his 2021 NFL Draft stock to rise in a big way.

Right now, Olave is considered by most to be a fringe first-round prospect. Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle are the top receivers in the class, followed closely by guys like Rashod Bateman, Kadarius Toney, Rondale Moore and Olave, among others. If Olave can have another big performance against Surtain and Alabama, expect his draft stock to rise. It is unlikely to see him topping Chase, Smith or Waddle, but he has a chance to become the leading candidate for WR4.

Make no mistake about it, there is a ton of wide receiver talent to go around in the 2021 NFL Draft class. With so many impact receivers available, it can be difficult for these guys to stand above the rest. That being said, back-to-back big performances against top-tier cornerbacks in incredibly important games could be enough to separate Olave from the pack.