Los Angeles Chargers 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: Day 3 OL Barrage

Round 1, 17th Overall: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State

It’s long been a fad to mock Chris Olave here, and this is one of the best-case scenarios for the Los Angeles Chargers. It would be nice to see someone like Charles Cross fall into their lap like Rashawn Slater did last year, but Olave is a fantastic get and well worth it over reaching at tackle with the next tier of prospects.

Williams signing a big deal is a good thing, but it doesn’t mean the receiver room is perfect. He wins down the field and at the catch point, but Olave brings that easy speed as a vertical threat that Williams and Keenan Allen don’t have.

Not to mention, Olave is a phenomenal route runner. His ability to gear down, sink his hips, and turn 180 degrees back to the ball is impressive. He identifies coverage and attacks leverage well, and is one of the better ball trackers in the class with a great pair of mitts.

Yes, Josh Palmer was a recent selection in 2021, but Olave is a much better player. Load up the receiver room in an AFC that’s gaining more and more firepower. You must score to keep up, and a three-level threat in Olave helps that.