Best-case NFL player comparisons for Steelers young wide receivers

Chase Claypool

Best-case player comparison: Vincent Jackson

This is a high-end comparison that I’ve used for Chase Claypool over a year ago. Assuming that Claypool continues to trend in the right direction, Vincent Jackson just makes so much sense.

At 6’4” and 238 pounds, Claypool has an unusually large frame, similar to that of Jackson who entered the league at 6’5” and 241 pounds. Like Jackson, Claypool has already cut some weight in the NFL as an outside receiver, and the receivers have the frame and athletic traits to routinely win down the field.

Jackson was considered to be one of the best deep threats in the league for much of his NFL career. Despite his massive frame, he was still a terrific athlete with 4.46 speed and a 39” vertical. This was often on display as the former Chargers and Buccaneers star receiver was a nightmare to contain deep down the sidelines.

Jackson was never a special route runner, but like Claypool, he moved remarkably well both before and after the catch for a man his size. Though it won’t be easy for Claypool to earn six 1,000-yard seasons in his NFL career, this is certainly within the realm of possibility.

Overall, it’s probably not fair to expect this type of NFL success from Pittsburgh’s talented, young wide receivers. This is a best-case scenario if all goes well and they can have long healthy careers. It will be interesting to monitor their progression moving forward.