Why the NFL should be terrified of Steelers receiver Chase Claypool

Claypool’s first two weeks

Without the benefit of pre-season games, fans had to wait until week 1 to see Chase Claypool in action. The primary question Claypool needed to answer was how he would impact the Steelers beyond special teams.

He dramatically did that by snatching a 28-yard reception, which, according to Nextgen Stats, had a 13.8% probability rate of success. The lowest in week one. Don’t tell Chase Claypool that, though. Being mindful of his feet is something he worked on all through high school and college. He made that reception look easy. Frankly, it’s the type of reception rookies are not supposed to make on their first NFL catch, let alone make it look simple. Claypool finished his first game with two receptions for 39 yards, making himself look like Lynn Swann in the process.

Now let’s look at his performance in the Steelers game against Denver on Sunday.  In week one, Claypool showed fans he could be a magician making the improbable probable. In week two, he scorched the Broncos. He proved that he had fleet feet. In one play, Claypool used his size and 4.42 speed; he burned the Bronco’s secondary for 84 yards and a touchdown in one play.

He finished as the  2nd leading receiver in the Steelers receiving corps, just behind Diontae Johnson, who had 92 yards with eight receptions and a touchdown. Claypool commented on his early success after the game. So after two weeks, Clay pool has five receptions for 127 yards averaging 25.4 yards per reception and averaging 63.5 yards per game. Then include three special teams tackles. Not shabby, considering he had no pre-season games to warm up.