3 reasons Chase Claypool should replace JuJu in the slot for Steelers
By Tommy Jaggi
Claypool has the size and athleticism to exploit mismatches from the slot
The value of having a player as big and athletically gifted being able to work the middle of the field cannot be understated. Through the first four games of the season, Roethlisberger rarely looked to throw the ball over the middle of the field — even when Smith-Schuster was healthy. However, that quickly changed when Claypool filled in as the slot against the Broncos last week.
In his first game in a new position, Claypool had over 100 yards and a 1touchdown on the slot with just 3 targets, according to Next Gen Stats, and he showed that he can win in a number of ways.
On a simple slant last week in which Claypool caught the ball just 6 yards past the line of scrimmage, he was able to turn it into a 59-yard gain thanks to his elite speed and run-after-the-catch ability. On another play in the same game, he showed off his ability to get vertical and use his size to box out defenders for an impressive touchdown up the seam.
While JuJu is a good slot receiver, Claypool is bigger and faster and presents better mismatches against much smaller linebackers, safeties, and slot cornerbacks in today’s NFL. Big Ben could take advantage of these mismatches regularly.