Who would you say was an unsung hero of the New Orleans Saints’ 2022 season? Someone who was steady, reliable, and who didn’t collect many accolades. NFL.com’s Nick Shook identified an unsung hero from all 32 teams in recapping the regular season, and he has a curious choice for the Saints: wide receiver Chris Olave.
It’s an interesting pick given the mountains New Orleans moved to acquire Olave and how much fanfare he arrived in town with, and considering all the ink we spilled talking him up each week. But Shook sees really, really big things ahead for the Saints’ leading receiver. Here’s what he had to say of the pick:
“This one is a tough call between a dark-horse Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate in Olave and an unexpected contributor in fellow receiver Rashid Shaheed, but I’m going with Olave. How was he “unsung” as a first-round pick who eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving? Well, it felt like he was overshadowed in this rookie class by his former Ohio State teammate, Garrett Wilson, in New York, as well as Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, among others. Olave had a fantastic year while playing with three quarterbacks, and it’s fair to wonder if he’d be regarded more favorably had he played with a more celebrated passer (sorry, Andy Dalton). I will say this: Olave won’t land in this spot again, because he’ll be too notable.”
That’s actually a fair argument. Olave was snubbed by the Associated Press when they announced this year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year finalists, with both Wilson and Walker making the cut ahead of Olave. If the Saints can find a quarterback who can consistently throw a catchable pass Olave’s way, watch out. He’s on the fast track to becoming a household name much like Justin Jefferson before him.
With that said, Olave has gotten plenty of attention in various postseason awards rollouts. Olave was named an All-Rookie standout by the PFWA, Pro Football Focus, and on the NFL’s own ballot for Rookie of the Year finalists. Those in the know are aware of what he’s achieved. If he can build off of that and reach greater heights, even casual fans will know Olave’s name, what makes him so special, and start singing his praises.