Why the NFL should be terrified of Steelers receiver Chase Claypool

The Steelers have always done well, selecting receivers in the later rounds of the NFL draft.

They have nabbed wideouts who became game-changers for them. The Steelers picked John Stallworth in the 4th round of the 1974 draft. Pittsburgh Selected Antonio Brown in the 6th round of the 2010 draft. JuJu Smith -Schuster got picked in the 2nd round of the 2017 draft.

The Steelers may have struck gold again with the 2020 2nd round selection Chase Claypool. No one doubted he would benefit the Steelers tremendously. Now, after two weeks, 31 other NFL teams might regret they allowed him to fall into the hand of the Steelers. What he can do for the Steelers should scare the daylights out of the rest of the NFL.

When the Steelers selected Claypool, they did so on the basis he could block, evident by the fact other teams considering him wanted to transform him into a tight end. Claypool’s blocking ability also meant he could help the Steelers’ special teams game.

That’s not all; at the combine, he posted a 4.42 40-yard dash with a 40.5 vertical leap. By itself, not overly intimidating, until you consider Claypool’s size. Chase stands 6’4” and weighs 238. Compared to other receivers; he’s a behemoth. Jonh Stallworth weight in at 191 and Stood 6’1”.  Hines Ward 6’0” and 205lbs. Look at the greatest wide receiver of all times, Jerry Rice.  He stood 6’2” and weighed 200lbs. To put it simply, Chase Claypool is a huge target with fast speed and can outleap defenders.

In comparison, Heath Miller stood 6’5  at 256 lbs. We know what he did as a tight end.  Move that size and speed to the wide receiver position. It’s kind of like Jerome Bettis rumbling through linebackers; he’s tough to defend. When the Steelers drafted Claypool, his coach at Notre Dame, Brian Kelly, gave his thoughts on how he might benefit the Steelers. Now keeping his analysis in mind, let’s look at what Claypool has done in his first two weeks as a Steeler receiver. His performance against the Denver Broncos should erase any doubts.