Chris Olave is Ohio State through and through, which is why he is rooting for a fellow alumnus to find success in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
In a joint interview with Bleacher Report, the New Orleans Saints star was joined by the Seattle Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and they expressed their high hopes for Marvin Harrison Jr., who is widely projected as the best wide receiver in the draft.
“He’s going to be a top-tier talent,” said Olave of Harrison Jr. “Right when he steps into the league, he has all the potential in the world, but his work ethic is going to push him over the top. I’m excited to see what he does in the NFL and where he lands in the draft.”
“I know me and Chris agree, he is one of one. We’re excited to see him flourish at the next level,” added Smith-Njigba.
Marvin Harrison Jr. joins an elite list of Ohio State WRs, including Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Marvin Harrison Jr. is projected as a Top 5 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, given his impressive credentials. The 21-year-old leaves Ohio State with two Unanimous All-American selections, a Fred Biletnikoff Award, and a Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Award.
In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Marvin Harrison Jr. has amassed 150 receptions for 2,495 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. He is, by the way, the son of Marvin Harrison Sr., a former NFL WR great.
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly keen on taking him with the fourth overall pick.
“He’s a stud. If he’s there, I hope we get him. Kyler (Murray) would love to throw it to him. I saw him working out at Ohio State some years back,” said Larry Fitzgerald.
“He’s a heck of a lot more talented than I was at that age,” he added. “He can take short passes and go long. He can go over the top. He’s a willing participant in terms of blocking in the run game.”
Ohio State is known for producing NFL-caliber wide receivers throughout the years, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, Noah Brown, and Parris Campbell.
Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith, and Carnell Tate are set to be next in line for Ohio State, following Harrison’s departure.
In 2023, Chris Olave recorded 87 catches for 1,123 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the New Orleans Saints.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, on the other hand, finished his rookie NFL season with 63 catches for 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the Seattle Seahawks.