3 reasons Chase Claypool should replace JuJu in the slot for Steelers

James Washington is suited best as Steelers outside ‘Z’ receiver

With JuJu out for the season, it’s clear that someone is going to be tasked with filling his shoes. Personally, if the Steelers go the Ray-Ray McCloud route, I think that would be a mistake. James Washington is the receiver who clearly needs to be on the field more, but where should the Steelers play him?

Though Washington is tough enough to handle slot duties, he doesn’t have an ideal skillset for it. Washington’s best traits are his build-up speed and ball-tracking down the field, and pigeonholing him to the slot would not be taking advantage of the traits that make him good.

Both Washington and Claypool have been ‘Z’ receivers for the Steelers, but unlike Claypool — who I feel can be an improved player from the slot — I think Washington is best outside of the hashes.

This would mean that in ’11’ personnel, Pittsburgh’s receivers would be Diontae Johnson (X), James Washington (Z), and Chase Claypool (slot). I like these players a lot at these positions, and I think this ’11’ personnel grouping has a chance to be even better than what we saw early in the season.

Chase Claypool is a talented receiver who can wear multiple hats, but I do think there’s a chance the best position for his skill set is playing slot receiver. This is where the Steelers should use him moving forward.