After a breakout 2026 campaign, Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has finally landed a spot on the NFL’s elite list. Olave, who was unranked in each of his first three seasons, checked in at No. 64 on this year’s NFL Top 100 Players list. He joins veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan and former teammate Demario Davis among the Saints representatives this season.
2025 Season That Turned Things Around
Olave’s 2025 year was a story of resilience after injury woes. He recorded 100 receptions for 1,164 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing top‑10 in every major receiving category. The healthy, complete season finally gave him the statistical foundation to earn league‑wide respect.
Rising to the Top
His ability to generate separation and his polished route running make him a difficult matchup. Quarterback Tyler Shough raved, “His acceleration is incredible…” while former teammate Demario Davis added, “He’s fast. Real fast,” echoing praise from defensive backs Jaylin Hawkins and Marcus Jones. Those compliments underscore why Olave is now heard among the NFL’s elite.
What It Means for the Saints
Winning a Top 100 nod signals Olave is ready to be a cornerstone of New Orleans’ offense. If his 2026 form mirrors the season that vaulted him onto the list, fans can expect more big plays and deeper routes. This recognition also reinforces the Saints’ decision to build around the former first‑round pick as the team looks toward a potential playoff run.
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Jaguars DB Jarrian Jonesw and college team mate of Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Saints corner Martin Emerson Jr. hosts annual youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. chats with young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Paul Chestnutt takes a photo of his son Matty with Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Jaguars DB Jarrian Jonesw and college team mate of Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. demonstrates how to run the drill during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.’s youth football camp
Saints DB and Pensacola native Martin Emerson Jr. fires up young athletes during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.
(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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