5 Steelers that need to see more playing time going forward

Chase Claypool

There is arguably no player on the Steelers that is more deserving of more playing time than Chase Claypool. After putting the league on notice with his four-touchdown performance against the Eagles, the Steelers are suddenly staring a true weapon for their roster in Claypool. His size and athleticism had scouts excited, but his lacking big plays in college made teams think he would be more of a hybrid tight end instead of a true receiver.

Claypool has broken free from that mold, as he has looked better at the NFL level than he did at Notre Dame. Going forward, it would be inexcusable for the Steelers to decrease his playing time in favor of the more established James Washington or Diontae Johnson. Claypool has proven to be a threat in both the deep passing game and as an after the catch playmaker, meaning that he is good to play in almost all situations.

Going forward, Claypool should see the second-most snaps of all of the receivers behind JuJu Smith-Schuster. Beyond just his play, Claypool is an adamant run blocker. This makes him as complete of a receiver as you could want, as he is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball and will stay in and block for his teammates. His dominant early-season play has earned him the right to be the true second receiver for the Steelers offense.

Despite the Steelers’ early season successes, the team still has talented players who are deserving of more playing time. As the season progresses, it only makes sense for the team to allow these developing talents more of an opportunity to play on the field. Going forward, these five players have earned the right to see the starting field more often.