NFL analyst has the Chicago Bears reuniting Justin Fields with a former teammate
The Chicago Bears select Chris Olave in the second round
In this three-round mock draft, Chad Reuter has Chris Olave falling into the second round. After watching Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase reunite and make their way to Super Bowl XVI, the Chicago Bears follow suit by selecting Justin Fields’ former wide receiver Chris Olave.
Personally, I do not see Olave falling out of the first round. The only way I can see the Chicago Bears pairing Justin Fields with his former wide receiver is if Olave falls to the bottom of the first round and Ryan Poles trades up to grab him. With only five picks in this year’s draft, I don’t see that happening. Trading back might actually be the better strategy this year.
Do not get me wrong, I would absolutely love for the Chicago Bears to land Chris Olave in this draft. One position I have looked into more than others since it is a big area of need is wide receiver. Rankings will change as the offseason progresses, but as of now, I have Chris Olave as my WR4. The thing is, I can see how some may have him ranked lower though. This looks to be another very solid draft class at the wide receiver position. There are plenty of analysts who probably have Jahan Dotson and Drake London over Olave.
The question will be, how many receivers are selected in the first round? There is a small chance that Olave drops and if he does, Ryan Poles better have whoever is announcing the Chicago Bears pick run to the podium. Not only do Justin Fields and Chris Olave have prior chemistry from their time together at Ohio State, but Olave just brings a new talent level to a depleted Bears wide receiver group.
Olave is an excellent route runner. I know it’s only college, but Olave’s ability to separate against some of the better collegiate talent has been well documented on film. He’s not the biggest guy at only 6’1″ and under 200 pounds and this could be why he falls in the draft. However, we saw DeVonta Smith selected 10th overall and he and Olave have very similar builds. There should be no reason to overlook Olave’s skills and talent just due to his size.
What Olave is not going to do well in the NFL is high-point the ball and make a bunch of contested catches. He has above-average hands though and if given the ball in space, he can make guys miss with his speed. Sign me up if this becomes a possibility for the Chicago Bears.