Chase Claypool - Fantasy Football Rookie Spotlight

Scott Engel's 2020 fantasy football analysis of Steelers rookie WR Chase Claypool. Is he a 2020 fantasy football draft sleeper and top dynasty WR target?

The Steelers utilize the NFL Draft as a major basis for their key roster spots. Pittsburgh did not have a first-round selection for the first time in over 50 years in 2020, as noted by Steelers Depot. By viewing their current depth chart at the skill positions, it is evident they rely heavily on homegrown talents.

The Steelers’ starting QB, RB, and the top-three WRs were all drafted by the team. Pittsburgh has put a specific emphasis on trying to bulk up the WR position over the past few seasons. When they drafted Notre Dame’s Chase Claypool with the No. 49 overall choice this season, it was the fourth consecutive year in which they used a pick between 49 and 66 on a wideout.

Pittsburgh rounded out their current receiving core with Claypool as their clear size/strength type, and he also figures to play a prominent role as a top target after this season.

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Profile

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
College: Notre Dame
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 217 lbs
NFL Draft Slot: Round 2, Pick 17

Chase Claypool's college stats at Notre Dame via sports-reference.com

The Claypool File

As you can see from the college stats above, Claypool progressively improved every season at Notre Dame, breaking out in his final season with the Fighting Irish. His 13 TD receptions were tied for sixth in the nation. Claypool then impressed with a strong week of practices before catching a scoring pass in the Senior Bowl. He delivered an impressive showing at the combine. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review pointed out his 4.42 40-yard dash time was seventh fastest among all WRs, and was the second-fastest among players weighing at least 230 pounds, according to ESPN.

His time in the 40 was a key to maintaining a high NFL Draft profile, as some scouts had questioned his speed. But the showing convinced Pittsburgh to take Claypool as the 11^th WR off the board in a very deep class at the position. Claypool stood out as a big target with considerable TD potential, and he is also quickly evolving as a route runner who can threaten defenses in a variety of ways.

Other than his speed, the main concern about Claypool was the route running, but as indicated in the video scouting report above, he has been developing better techniques over time. He also does need to work on beating press coverage from bigger and stronger defenders. Working with Steelers veteran WR coach Ike Hilliard should only help him refine his crafts at the pro level in rather quick fashion. There is no rush for him to play a major role as a rookie, although Mike Tomlin has said he won’t prevent Claypool from making a big initial push if he wants to.

While he works on adjusting to the pro game, Claypool still has a distinctive skill set that will be totally unique among the Steelers’ top projected WRs. Only JuJu Smith-Schuster (6’2”, 215) is sizable target when you look at the team’s prime three wideouts other than the rookie. Claypool already figures to be that ideal big receiver for Ben Roethlisberger, one that can win on contested catches and near the goal line.

Claypool has good hands and a terrific wingspan that allows him to pluck the ball out of the air on a variety of throws, and he can even adjust to poorly thrown passes that might come out of the chutes of Roethlisberger’s backups. He is a prototypical big wideout who gets it done on 50/50 balls, back-shoulder throws and on slants and fades in scoring situations. Claypool has outstanding concentration and body control.

But Claypool is more than just a “go up and get ‘em” type. He has made impressive improvements on shorter routes in his time at Notre Dame, and he is also dangerous after the catch. He is a very physical WR who will battle for tough catches and also help his QB on throws into tight windows. Claypool has shown the ability to line up at several spots in the passing game, and can even be used as a tight end in some instances. He is also a very good run blocker, which should help ensure he is on the field often.

2020 Projection

As a rookie, Claypool figures to certainly be behind Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson on the 2020 depth chart. James Washington should be above him initially as well. Claypool can be eased in as a contested catch and TD specialist who can also occasionally contribute on other key passing downs. He will not be a prime target in the Pittsburgh passing game, but he should be an important role player.

The Steelers have adequate returning wideouts that can anchor the position and let Claypool ease into the offense. Smith-Schuster will obviously be the No. 1 target, with Johnson looking like a promising breakout performer for 2020. Washington can be explosive but is unreliable. Yet he should operate as the third WR to begin with as the niche downfield option for Roethlisberger. Claypool could eventually surpass him as a preferred option for the Steelers QB.

Claypool has an FFPC ADP of 274, which puts him off the fantasy draft board in many seasonal leagues. You can see in the graphic below that his ADP has fluctuated a bit so far, but he has mostly remained an afterthought in redraft formats.  He does not project to be better than the third WR for the Steelers and will not be rushed into the forefront at WR, so you may not be missing out on anything this year if you pass on Claypool.

2021 PROJECTIONS: 52 receptions, 655 yards, five TD

Dynasty Outlook

In dynasty leagues, however, Claypool could have increased appeal as soon as his second pro season. It is common knowledge that this is the final year of Smith-Schuster’s contract, and this should be his last season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have comfortably moved on from many star veteran WRs with ease over the years. Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, Mike Wallace and Santonio Holmes were all replaced, and Antonio Brown can hopefully be left in the past at some point. The team has frequently looked to eventual successors for starters in the draft, as James Conner was selected ahead of the expected Le’Veon Bell fiasco. The Steelers are always planning ahead, and have obviously done so at WR in their past two drafts.

When Smith-Schuster is gone in 2021, there appears to be a great opportunity for Johnson and Claypool to slide in as the team’s two top wideouts. If Johnson busts out as hoped this year, Claypool could have fantasy WR3 promise in his second pro season. An impressive rookie campaign in which he flashes some promise and performs adequately when called on can elevate his possible appeal for 2021.

I was very satisfied to land Claypool with the eighth pick of the third round in my dynasty rookie draft. That means I could have a fantasy starter on my roster for ’21 at a value tag. If he takes longer to make an impact, I still expect him to make some fantasy noise by his third NFL season. I strongly believe he at least has fantasy WR2 potential by 2022.

Claypool has drawn current pro comparisons anywhere from Allen Lazard and Devin Funchess to Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, A.J. Green and even Calvin Johnson, which may be a bit of overhype. You should not expect much from him fantasy-wise as a rookie, but Claypool should start making his presence felt on your dynasty rosters by Year Two.

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