New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen discusses return of Michael Thomas, landing Chris Olave as first-round draft pick

The New Orleans Saints will have a distinct Ohio State vibe on offense this season.

During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Saints tabbed Buckeye record holder Chris Olave after trading up to the No. 11 pick. Olave will team up with two-time All-Pro and fellow Buckeye Michael Thomas with the Saints.

After a record-setting All-Pro season in 2019, Thomas missed much of the 2020 season and all of the 2021 campaign while battling injuries. Fortunately, in an interview for the Rich Eisen Show, Saints coach Dennis Allen is excited for Thomas’ return.

“We feel good about what Mike’s done in the rehab process,” said Allen. “There are still a few hurdles that we’ve gotta climb.”

As for adding Olave to the mix, Allen called drafting Olave and getting Thomas back in the same offseason as adding two first-round picks at receiver:

“I kind of look at it in terms of we drafted Chris Olave in the first round… but getting Mike back, it’s almost like we had two first-round draft choices at wide receiver,” explained Allen, “so I feel really good about that.”

Is Jameis Winston the @Saints Week 1 starter? @cantguardmike return and drafting WR @chrisolave_ — great chat with New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen on what’s to come in 2022:#NFL #Saints pic.twitter.com/SegPGM224N

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 5, 2022

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.