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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The New Orleans Saints are currently trying to mull over many decisions on the team, including who might be the starting quarterback. On top of deciding who will be the lead passer, the team has been experimenting with some wild formations as well.
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Normal wideout Chris Olave was used in a unique way during the preseason, as the Saints moved him into the slot receiver position. Olave is not typically in this position and has only played around 33 percent of his total career snaps in the slot, according to PFF.
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Strangely, of the 11 snaps he took in preseason, all 11 were in the slot position. PFF broke down the occurrence and what it could mean for Olave in the scope of fantasy football.
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"In this game, the Saints used Olave, Shaheed and Cooks exclusively over the first four drives. The trio shared the field for 11 snaps in 11 personnel. In 12 personnel, Shaheed played all five snaps, Olave played four and Cooks logged just one. Notably, Olave lined up in the slot on all 11 snaps from 11 personnel. That's a shift from his typical usage — he's played just 33% of his career snaps in the slot, including only 21% last season and 20% last week. Until now, it appeared he'd remain primarily an outside receiver," PFF's Nathan Jahnke wrote.
Olave is normally a big-time downfield threat for the Saints, but it could be that his concussion history has led to new head coach Kellen Moore potentially wanting to alter his position on the offense.
"While the Saints' quarterback situation and Olave's concussion history remain red flags, he has a chance to finish as a top-20 fantasy wide receiver in this role if he can stay healthy. The only potential problem is that the Saints traded a fourth-round pick for Devaughn Vele earlier in the week, and he primarily played in the slot for Denver. If he can surpass Cooks on the depth chart, Vele may become the Saints' top slot receiver, pushing Olave back out wide," Jahnke added.
The Saints need all their receivers to stay healthy to have a chance at making some noise in the NFC. Olave missed eight games due to injuries in 2024, and he should be healthy heading into 2025.
Olave might be a downfield threat, but maybe he could emerge as a big yards after the catch receiver if Moore keeps him in the slot for the 2025 season.
For more on the Saints and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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