Top WR Duo To Enter NFL Draft

Ohio State has produced multiple top tier wide receivers over the past decade. It's always an argument who would be 'WRU' (wide receiver university) or 'DBU' (defensive back university). If you're unfamiliar with the terms, they are best explained as colleges that produce the most and the best at that specific position at the highest level. Ohio State this year is undoubtably WRU with Chris Olave and Garret Wilson both declaring for the 2022 NFL draft and expected to be off the board before the end of day one.

Photo from Pro Football Focus and Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Top 2 And Not 2 For Number 2

Chris Olave entered Ohio State as a four star recruit and ranked the nation's number 54 overall wide receiver even after sitting out his junior year of high school. In Olave's four years at Ohio State he has racked up Third-team All-Big Ten (2019), First-team All-Big Ten twice (2020, 2021) and Second-team All American (2021). He has also broken multiple records as OSU including the most touchdowns by a wide receiver with 36. Even though Olave decided to sit out the Rose Bowl game this past season, he was still able to produce big numbers. In 13 games he was able to haul in 65 catches for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns.

A fact that most people recruiters will be looking at is the fact that Olave career yards per reception average is an outstanding 15.7. Olave is not just a wide receiver but has proven he is able to play well on special teams. In his debut season Chris was able to haul in two touchdowns as well as block a punt against their sworn rivals the Michigan Wolverines. He has multiple attempts as a punt and kickoff returner and in his career has never lost a fumble.

After the speedy 6'1 wide receiver ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, scouts believe he is set up for success in the NFL. His ability to create separation on multiple levels, scramble with the quarterback, yet settle quickly in routes could make him one of the most desirable receivers in the draft. Things like great focus, quick hands and a good vertical will help Olave work on some weaknesses like (minimal but big) drops, which can become a concern at the next level.

5 On The Field, 1 On The (WR) Board

Garrett Wilson decided to declare for the 2022 NFL draft after his joiner year with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The five star recruit and the nation's 15th ranked player in 2019 only needed three seasons to become a star a top prospect in the upcoming draft. As a new addition to the team he made a last impact being able to play all 14 games while hauling in 30 passes for 432 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman. As well as racking up a First-team All-Big 10 selection as a true sophomore as well as a Second-team All-Big 10 in the 2021 season. His final season as a Buckeye was not one that will soon be forgotten. Wilson racked up 70 receptions for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns (sat out Rose Bowl).

Just like Olave has proven his ability to move around, so has Wilson. He is a guy at OSU with the ability to also take part in trick plays. He is able to catch, run and throw the ball making his a triple threat for any offense that decides to make them apart of their team. Within his time at OSU was alas able to prove you can move him around on the LOS. In 2020 he moved from an outside receiver to a slot receiver.

Wilson sat right along side his OSU companion running a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. His surprise speed and great run-after-catch ability draws multiple teams in that are looking for a deceptive WR2. Constant separation, strong hands and hauling in 50-50 balls are just some of the traits Wilson shows that makes many think he would excel at the professional level. By tightening up on some of his routes as well as focusing in on his footwork, Wilson could be poised to be one of the first wide receivers off of the board on April 28th.

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NFL Network analysis Daniel Jeremiah has the Los Angeles Chargers picking Chris Olave number 17 overall and Garrett Wilson going 19 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.

NFL Network analytics expert Cynthia Frelund has Garrett Wilson going off the board early at number eight overall by the Atlanta Falcons and doesn't have Chris Olave off the board until later down the line when the Las Vegas Raiders pack at 22.

NFL Network analysis Bucky Brooks has the New York Jets picking Garrett Wilson at number 10 overall and the Philadelphia Eagles landing Chris Olave at 16 overall.