5 draft prospects who could realistically fall to Steelers after the NFL Combine

The Steelers may catch a break with a ‘big body’ wide receiver

So let me say this right out of the gate:  I am not sure if Chase Claypool, Wide Receiver out of Notre Dame, will be there in the second round when the Steelers are on the clock, but if he is there, we have to take him.

Here’s why I sat that:  Claypool is listed at 6′ 4″, 238 lbs and ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. He also benched 225 lbs for 19 reps, which is pretty good for a receiver.  The Steelers have lacked a ‘big body’ deep threat ever since Martavis Bryant, whom the Steelers selected in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, was traded to the then Oakland Raiders following the 2017 season.

The offense sorely needs a receiver who can stretch the field and Claypool can provide that. Not to state the obvious, but a 6′ 4″ receiver who runs a 4.42 40-yard dash can stretch the field almost by default.  Even if Claypool is not a polished route runner from day one, so to speak, every receiver knows how to run a ‘go’, ‘fly’ or ‘9’ route, which is the most basic route concept that exists.

So you may be wondering this:  How would Claypool drop to the Steelers after having run a 4.42 40-yard dash? Good question.  I think there are only a couple of ways he drops to the second round.  One way is if there is a run on a certain position.  For example, if teams start drafting primarily defensive players, the offensive skill position players may drop.

Another way he may drop to us is if the teams drafting ahead of us have other receivers rated higher than Claypool.  Obviously, I am not privy to any inside information, but I would think we have him rated pretty high.  In any event, if Claypool drops into the second round, he should be the target.

Let’s continue to look at the prospects who may fall to us.