Steelers get Big Ben help with Claypool in 2nd round
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected wide receiver Chase Claypool out of Notre Dame in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 49th overall.
Claypool possesses a rare combination of size and speed, as he's the only wideout over 230 pounds to break 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash since Calvin Johnson in 2007.
The rookie will join a receiving group led by JuJu Smith-Schuster and sophomore Diontae Johnson. Ben Roethlisberger also has the tight end duo of Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald at his disposal as he returns from a season-ending elbow injury.
Prospect Profile
School: Notre Dame
Height: 6-4
Weight: 238 lbs
Positives
- Outstanding blend of size, strength, and speed
- Good use of hands to beat the press at the line
- Plays through contact and establishes position with his strength
- Wins over his defender with hops and strong hands at the catch point
- Good balance and body control to adjust to the ball in mid-air
- Physical runner after the catch
- Effective run-blocker on the outside
- Productive special teams gunner
Negatives
- Takes time to get up to full speed
- Not gifted with lateral movement skills
- Doesn't run precise routes
- Route tree could be limited to vertical breakers
- Will struggle to separate at the short and intermediate levels
- One year of high-level production
Bottom Line
Claypool was one of the biggest stories of this year's combine. His 4.42 40-yard dash time, when adjusted for weight, is on par with the top burners in this class. Pair that kind of rare athleticism with his strength and well-established ability to dominate opposing cornerbacks in contested catch situations, and you've got as much upside as you could possibly ask for from a likely mid-round pick. Claypool will come with limitations - most notably, a lack of lateral agility will limit his route tree - but he has the potential to be a game-changer if a team can consistently put him in a position to do what he does best - make big plays down the sideline.