Supporting arguments for Eagles selecting Chris Olave in NFL Draft

Following the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl berth to conclude the 2017-2018 NFL season, they’ve struggled to find quality wide receivers. Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agohlor, and Torrey Smith shined during Philly’s march to glory, but in the years that followed, they haven’t managed to find a surefire go-to guy at the position to assist their best offensive weapons, Dallas Goedert and Miles Sanders.

That all changed when they drafted DeVonta Smith in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Heisman Trophy winner appears to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player for years to come. He’s already become a fan favorite.

Now it’s the job of newly-extended Howie Roseman and company to find Smith a running mate, and there isn’t any better option for the Birds than former Ohio State Buckeyes standout Chris Olave.

Who is Chris Olave and why should the Eagles draft him?

Dare we say it? As he approaches 22 years of age, comparisons can be made to DeSean Jackson. The Ringer’s Danny Kelly compares Olave to the Eagles legend and calls him “Tyler Lockett with a growth spurt.

In his draft profile, Kelly mentions how Olave’s best attributes are his unparalleled speed and quickness, along with his sure hands on the catch. The times back Kelly’s statements up as Olave ran a blistering 4.39 40-yard dash at the most recent NFL Scouting Combine.

Most dominant air attacks in the NFL have a good blend of guys who exhibit good route-running, speed, and size. By taking Olave and lining him up next to a smaller and jerkier Smith and the dominant Dallas Goedert, the Eagles would have given Jalen Hurts elite weapons to attack every level of the field.

Olave, as mentioned earlier, is a speed demon. He can line up in any receiver position. His six-foot-one, 190-pound frame is perfect for running past and jumping over defenders to make catches. His strong first step and powerful hips help his route running, but it’s his speed and aggressiveness at the point of attack that makes him such a force to be reckoned with.

In his four seasons at Ohio State, Olave increased his numbers every season. Here’s a look at his raw numbers for the Buckeyes.

• 2018: 12 receptions, 197 yards, three touchdowns
• 2019:  49 receptions, 849 yards, 12 touchdowns
• 2020: 50 receptions, 729 yards, seven touchdowns
• 2021: 65 receptions, 936 yards, 13 touchdowns

Clearly, those numbers are impressive, especially when you consider the fact that Olave had to play alongside the supremely talented Garett Wilson for three seasons. Sharing the ball cut into Olave’s production some, but both are expected to be drafted in Round 1.

Why should the Eagles draft Chris Olave? Here are the three main reasons:

1. He is the perfect partner for DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert.
2. He has no history of injury doesn’t represent any risk.
3. His growth is only going to continue in the NFL.

The first reason is obviously the most appealing. Imagine for a second, the route running and hands of DeVonta, the blocking of the safety net, Goedert, and the pure speed Olave all on the field at the same time as Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders. That is a picture-perfect offense for today’s game and tomorrow’s NFL. The Eagles’ offense would be feared for years to come.