This year's draft has not one, but two Ohio State receivers slated to go in the first round. Although Garrett Wilson has a connection through Baker Mayfield, having both played at the same high school in Austin, TX, Chris Olave seems to be the most eager to play in Cleveland.
During his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, Olave was asked by reporters if he wanted to stay in the state of Ohio and play for the Browns. Olave responded by admitting that he has already met with the team, then went on to call the Browns a 'great organization' when sharing his initial thoughts of the franchise.
"It's a great organization in Cleveland," Olave said to reporters in Indy Wednesday. "I had a meeting with them. It's a huge organization, I definitely like the way they run that. Just to stay in the state of Ohio, I know the fanbase is crazy, one of the best fanbases. I definitely would love and enjoy that."
The former Ohio State stud was a four-year player for the Buckeyes, exceeding expectations as a three-star recruit coming out of Ohio. In fact, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day admitted Olave quietly de-committed from the program.
The California native burst on the scene during the Michigan game his freshman season, scoring two touchdowns and blocking a punt that was returned for a score. He then followed that up with two amazing seasons as Justin Field's go-to receiver.
Olave is considered to be one of the more polished route-running receivers in the draft class. He finished his Buckeye career as the program’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 35. He also ranks third in receptions and fifth in yards.
The Browns hold the 13th spot in the draft and are in need of receivers with Jarvis Landry's status up in the air. Landry is currently in the last year of a $75 million contract. If the Browns cut him, they could save $13 million in cap space.
One sign that they could be going in that direction is GM Andrew Berry seeming to be very high on both Olave and Garrett Wilson during his time speaking with reporters at the combine.
"It’s always great to see Buckeyes playing at a high level and producing well, right?” Berry said.
Follow Jasper Jones on Twitter: @jonesj2342
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