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Pro Football Focus projects Ohio State star as first WR off the board in 2022 NFL Draft

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

When the 2021 season comes to an end, Ohio State will likely produce two of the top wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft class. But will it be Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave that is taken first?

Pro Football Focus’s Austin Gayle recently answered that question. While both are incredibly talented, Gayle believes Wilson will be drafted first between the two and will be the first receiver selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

“Garrett Wilson should be the early favorite to be WR1 in 2022,” Gayle said.

Wilson and Olave put up nearly identical numbers during the 2020 season. Olave ended the year as the Buckeyes’ leading receiver, totaling 729 yards and 7 touchdowns on 50 catches. Wilson wasn’t far behind, hauling in 43 receptions for 723 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Olave could’ve entered the 2021 NFL Draft and would’ve likely been a fairly high pick. But he decided to return to Ohio State in an attempt to win a national championship while also improving his stock for next year’s draft.

Together, Wilson and Olave will form one of the best receiver tandems in college football.

In his first two seasons in Columbus, Wilson has totaled 73 catches for 1,155 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB