By Justin McGonigle
SteelerNation.com
On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers made quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a happy man. The reason for his smiling face? Chase Claypool. A big, strong, fast, downfield, and red zone weapon. Seems to be a trend for this off-season.
“I was really excited when he ran a sub-4.4 at the combine,” said Randy Fichtner, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. But then, he noted, “I don’t get excited because you assume you’re not going to get to him at 49. … That downhill speed and couple that with his size and ability to win one-on-one, that brings a lot to us.”
Chase Claypool talks about the excitement in his hometown in British Columbia of being drafted by the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/H7DrrpGRzF
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) April 25, 2020
Claypool, 21, from Notre Dame University was the Steelers first choice of the 2020 NFL Draft. That pick came during the second round after they packaged their first rounder to Miami for All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick during the 2019 season.
Claypool became a household name in 13 starts during the 2019 campaign at ND, as he was the team's leading receiver, catching 66 passes for 1,037 yards (15.7 per) and 13 touchdowns, which placed him in the top 10 in the country.
Physicality comes naturally for Claypool because of his 6'4, 238 pound frame. His ability to high-point the ball and use his body to shield out defenders makes him a serious downfield threat in one on one battles.
Steelers snag a wideout
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 25, 2020
Pittsburgh drafts Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool with the No. 49 pick in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Q2196dMxrU
Steelers offensive coordinator, Randy Fichtner told reporters following the choice of Claypool that he didn't remember "ever seeing Claypool lose any one on one battles" .. He cited Claypool's 80 inch wingspan, and touched on how he believes Claypool will aid the Steelers red zone offense which finished 29th in the NFL after being #1 in 2018.
His physical skills aren't to be lost on several other talents. Claypool isn't afraid to block. Since the days of Hines Ward and before Steelers receivers are required to block and block well.
Blocking is fun too .. 😅 pic.twitter.com/QOy9j4rRWa
— Chase Claypool (@ChaseClaypool) October 30, 2017
Lastly he isn't afraid to play special teams. Claypool found playing time as a true freshman on special teams recording eight tackles. He continued to be a standout on special teams even after he became the #1 receiver for Notre Dame this season.
GM Kevin Colbert cited Claypool's work on special teams during the Senior Bowl as something that stood out to him during the evaluation process.
Claypool has been working out with a former AFC foe, but hopes to be able to get into town as soon as possible to get work in with Roethlisberger.
“I’m working with T.J. Houshmandzadeh in California. I’ll try to get to the (Steelers) facility as soon as I can to get work in with Ben and the other receivers. I don’t think it will limit me too much.”
Houshmandzadeh always caused problems for the Steelers. Now he will hopefully teach Claypool all those annoying traits to torment the AFC foe years to come.
#SteelerNation
