Why the NFL should be terrified of Steelers receiver Chase Claypool

Why the NFL should be afraid of Claypool

So, why should the NFL be afraid of Claypool’s early statistics? Keep in mind that as a team, the Steelers worst play generally comes in September, then as the season moves along, they hit their stride by mid-October through the end of the season. Meaning Claypool will only get better as the year progresses. As will Ben Roethlisberger, JuJu Smith Schuster, and Diontae Johnson.

If Claypool keeps making improbable receptions and busts long gains, he will quickly work his way to the number two receiver. The second issue as Claypool gets better, look at Claypool to have a 100 yard plus game in the next few weeks. Once that happens, opposing defenses will have to deal with a nightmare. Double team JuJu and that will leave either Claypool, Johnson, or Ebron open. If they want to go man to man, no defense will be able to cover all the receiving options. A Steelers receiver will burn someone.

Furthermore, if Claypool progresses, which there is no reason he should not, the question then becomes how good can Claypool really be. Not will he have an average season, but rather will he be able to put up Hines Ward or Antonio Brown numbers. While its unlikely Claypool will post a 1000 yard season, it’s not an impossibility, either. Of course, if he does, and Johnson and JuJu get near the 1000 yard mark as well, the Steelers passing offense could become a juggernaut by seasons end.

Ultimately when you look at Claypool, you have to start wondering what kind of numbers will he be capable of putting up. Are we looking at a receiver capable of 1200 receiving yards a season? Can he score ten plus touchdowns a season?   Can he do it in the 2020 season as opposed to next year?

Looking at his first two games, it’s not if he can do that, more of a question of when. If he does, the rest of the NFL should be afraid, very afraid!