2022 NFL Draft notebook: Ohio State’s dynamic duo and more
By John Blair
NFL Draft Notebook continues its position breakdown this week by taking an in-depth look at the wide receiver position. We start off by taking a look at two wide receivers in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave who carry first-round grades, and despite Ohio State breaking in a new quarterback this year, give Ohio State one of the best passing attacks in college football.
Along with breaking down these two Ohio State prospects this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also highlights the following
- A Group of Five wide receiver who could hear his name called in the second round
- A highly productive ACC prospect you have likely not heard about
- Why this could be a breakout year for Wan’Dale Robinson
- And much more
Ohio State’s Dynamic Duo
One of the biggest question marks Ohio State has going into the 2021 season is who will take over for Justin Field at quarterback. Whoever wins this job will be stepping into a great situation though as he will inherit a loaded offense that features two of the top receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave. What makes this receiver combination even more dangerous is how well these players complement each other’s skillset.
On one hand, Ohio State has Garrett Wilson who is ranked as the top wide receiver by several draftniks going into the 2021 season. What makes Wilson such a dangerous weapon is his speed and ability to gain separation. These traits helped Wilson average 16.8 yards per reception which was the fifth-highest average in the Big Ten last season.
Another trait that makes Wilson one of the better slot receivers in the country is his overall agility. He does a great job of adjusting to the ball and made numerous catches last year where he was able to outmaneuver a defender in the air to make the spectacular reception. One more thing working in his favor is his strength as a runner after the catch, which is something you don’t expect to see from a small receiver.
While Wilson does most of his work from the slot position Chris Olave is your more traditional X or Z receiver. The fact Olave is your more typical wide receiver is one of the main reasons why Olave led Ohio State in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns last season. It is also one of the reasons why he was Fields’ go-to receiver in critical situations last season.
As a prospect, Olave has several traits that should make him a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. One of these is his crisp routes which consistently allows him to gain separation on his routes despite lacking great quickness. He also displays the hands to be a consistent possession receiver at the next level and might have the best hands in the 2022 NFL Draft class.
Going into the 2021 season Wilson is the higher regarded Ohio State prospect due to his explosiveness and ability to pick up yards after the catch. It would not be a surprise if he ends up being a middle-of-round-one pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
As for Olave, he might be more of a late first or early second-round pick as he possesses only average measurables. However, it would be a surprise if he didn’t develop into a starting wide receiver in the NFL.