When you look at new Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool, it is easy to envision him in a role similar to how the San Francisco 49ers use tight end George Kittle. They are nearly identical physically.
However, as ESPN broke down the top routes of the rookie wide receivers, they found something of a surprise. According to ESPN, Claypool’s most effective route at Notre Dame was the drag. This opens up the opportunity for the Steelers to utilize more crossing routes which have shown to be one of their most effective passing schemes when done correctly.
Here’s ESPN’s negative spin on Claypool’s game.
Because Claypool’s physical attributes are enticing, one would guess that something like a go route would top his list. While he did record the most receiving yards on go routes, he also ran far more of them than any other route type. Relative to other receivers in college football, his yards per go route run were hardly impressive. If you’re drafting a tall and fast receiver with a strong vertical, I’d presume you’re hoping to send him downfield to catch bombs, so his lack of production in that area in college seems like a poor omen.
Personally, in going back and studying Claypool’s entire 2019 season, I really think he has the potential to be a dominant hybrid player for the Steelers offense. Yes, the numbers say he is more likely to move the chains than to hit deep but his skill set favors his ability to catch the football short in space where his athleticism can help him take advantage of mismatches in the middle of the field.
