The Steelers just got Ben Roethlisberger another weapon on offense. Here’s why Pittsburgh chose WR Chase Claypool with their second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Steelers have made their selection with the 49th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and it came as a bit of a surprise. After reports that Pittsburgh was targeting either running back J.K. Dobbins or Cam Akers, they threw a curveball by taking Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Claypool underwhelmed during his first three seasons at Notre Dame but broke out in a big way as a senior – earning 66 receptions, 1,037 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He proved to be a reliable target and his massive catch radius often showed up on film.
However, Claypool is best known for his remarkable testing numbers. The Notre Dame receiver already possessed terrific size at 6’4” and 238 pounds. But testing the way he did was unheard of. At the NFL Combine, Claypool recorded a 4.42 40-yard dash, 40.5” vertical, and 126” broad jump.
Do you think the #Steelers love their athletes? Chase Claypool tested pretty well... pic.twitter.com/ZA6vHBfaSh
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) April 25, 2020
For the Steelers, Claypool will slide in as their fourth wide receiver to begin the season, but his remarkable size offers intrigue as a ‘move’ tight end. Claypool does his best work when going down the seem, and could be a nightmare for smaller defensive backs. He’s terrific at using the extent of his length to go up and make plays on the ball.
Claypool provides depth to a shaky group of wide receivers outside of their top three players, and he gives Pittsburgh some insurance contract negotiations with JuJu Smith-Schuster go south.
In a rapidly closing Super Bowl window, it’s not a surprise to see the Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert get Ben Roethlisberger another weapon. Claypool is a smart football player and he should be able to see offensive snaps from day one.
It is interesting to note that the Steelers passed on offensive tackle – a position they reportedly had a lot of interest in. Among the other receivers on the board at the time include Denzel Mims, Brian Edwards, and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Despite a run on wide receivers in both the first and second round, Pittsburgh elected to address the position with their first selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. Claypool joins a young receiver room that includes JuJu, Diontae Johnson, and James Washington.
It will be interesting to see how these receivers end up sorting themselves out on the depth chart. Though Claypool likely enters the season as the fourth in line, he’s a massive player with extreme athleticism and will have a chance to climb the ladder and eventually become a starter in Pittsburgh.