For many Chicago Bears fans, the dream scenario in this year’s upcoming NFL draft would be to land Ohio State star wide receiver Chris Olave, pairing him up once again with his old college quarterback Justin Fields. Based on a recent interview, it sounds like Olave has that same dream.
During Ohio State’s pro day on Wednesday, Olave was asked by Kevin Lapka of the Bears Nation Podcast what it would be like to reunite with Fields at the professional level. Olave couldn’t help but smile as he answered.
“That’s my guy, man,” Olave said. “Can’t wait to see his career take off in Chicago. I know he’s ready to do that so I can’t wait to see him to do that. That would be huge to link up with him again and we’ll see what happens throughout the process.”
Ohio State WR Chris Olave on potentially reuniting with Justin Fields in Chicago with the #Bears
“That would be huge to link up with him again. We’ll see what happens throughout the process.” pic.twitter.com/WWRDKuYpmw
— kevin lapka (@kevcharles112) March 23, 2022
Olave was Fields’ top receiver back in 2020. The duo hooked up for 50 receptions for 729 yards and seven touchdowns, all team bests in the COVID-shortened season.
While Fields entered the draft last season, Olave returned for his final year at Ohio State, putting up impressive numbers yet again with new starting quarterback C.J. Stroud. Olave had 65 receptions for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 games for the Buckeyes in 2021. His strong year is a detriment to the Bears, however.
Many draft experts have Olave pegged going in the mid to late-first round, putting him out of reach for the Bears. Thanks to the trade that landed Fields in last year’s draft, the Bears don’t have a first-round pick and don’t select until pick No. 39 in the second round. Unless general manager Ryan Poles does some wheeling and dealing, it’s likely Olave is off the board by the time the Bears are on the clock.
Receiver is going to be a position of need for Chicago when the draft rolls around and Olave would be an excellent option. Not only would he elevate the receiving group, led by Darnell Mooney, but a reunion with Fields could do wonders for the Bears passing attack. It’s not a likely outcome, but stranger things have happened.
