5 things Steelers Chase Claypool has to improve upon in 2021

Overall play style

The difference between being a good receiver and an elite one is being able to be used in a variety of ways. During his prime, Antonio Brown was unstoppable as a deep threat, at running medium routes, and with his short game. No matter the occasion, Brown could be a target. Right now, Claypool is a good deep threat given his size and athleticism, but he needs to become a better overall receiver in all facets of his game.

Now, Claypool showed some talent elsewhere besides his deep game. He turned a couple of short passes into long gains and was even effective as a runner when sent in motion. He is on the right track to be an overall threat, but he needs to make a few more developments in order to be more than just a deep threat for the Steelers.

Now, considering how deep and balanced the Steelers receiving room is, Claypool doesn’t have to make these jumps to still be successful. If he is to become a top receiver in the league though, he will need to become a dominant threat all over the field. Route running will have to improve overall as well as his presence in the short and intermediate fields if he wants to be considered elite. Claypool has the ability to make that jump this season, but he will have to become a better receiver all over the field to make that jump.

Claypool is set to improve his craft during his sophomore season with the Steelers. While he could remain on the course and become a quality deep threat, Claypool has a real chance to become an elite receiver. He has steps that he has to take this year to get to that point. Claypool has the talent to start in this league, but now he has to prove that he can be one of the best in the league by making these improvements.