Chris Olave seen as the Saints' most promising building block

Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton named the most promising building block for each NFL team. He defined a building block as a player on a rookie contract who is still improving or needs to be more consistent. For the Saints, he chose Chris Olave. Olave fits this criteria perfectly as he’s shown bright flashes but has to get more consistent and remain on the field.

Olave is entering his fourth year in the NFL. He was highly productive in his first two years, achieving back to back 1,000 yard seasons. However, he struggled to stay healthy in 2024, falling to a career low 400 receiving yards.

Although Olave had a down year in 2024, the Saints still picked up his fifth year option. That means he still has two years on his contract. If he is able to produce in 2025, he could earn an extension before his contract’s up.

Chris Olave's in line for a big 2025 season

Olave's value to the Saints isn't dependent on who the quarterback is, but his numbers are. “If healthy, Olave should lead the Saints in most receiving categories. Even though the team's quarterback situation following Derek Carr's retirement could cap his numbers, he will be one of the few bright spots in the offense," Moton said.

Olave will be a crucial piece to the Saints offense. Either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler will need all the help they can get. Having a reliable receiver a young quarterback can trust is invaluable to their success. Olave has the chance to step into that role. 

Olave’s biggest hurdle is staying healthy. He’s suffered four concussions already in his career, two of them from last year. He has met with specialists and is perfectly healthy. Now, he just has to stay that way.

Another aspect he can improve is being a red zone threat. Olave only has 10 touchdowns in his career. That’s fairly low for a receiver of his caliber. The Saints don’t currently have a go-to guy in those situations. Olave developing into that would elevate his game to a new level.

Chris Olave’s importance is getting recognized by being named the Saints most promising building block by Bleacher Report. If he can stay healthy, he can dramatically improve the Saints offense, not just in 2025, but for the foreseeable future.