Pittsburgh Steelers' former two-time Super Bowl-winning cornerback, Ike Taylor knows a thing or two about receivers after years of lining up against some of the league's very best during his 12-year career. He and co-host Mark Bergin outlined the necessity of the team trading 3rd-year wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears during Monday's Beleav in Steelers episode on Facebook Live.
Ike Taylor and co-host Mark Bergin break down the latest NFL news on a Monday. Credit Facebook Live
"A much needed trade on both ends. Looking at it from a scouting standpoint. It’s like, 'Oh man, it’s good.' Come on Coach Ike. As the kids would say, 'Let’s see what you can do for this draft and help the Steelers out,'" Taylor said in response to co-host Mark Bergin's question on how he felt about the trade.
The scout for the team highlighted the abundance of picks the team has in the early going of the 2023 draft and a strong group of playmakers on offense that allows them to make the deal.
Steelers Wide Receiver Depth
Taylor said the team has already found a number-one receiver in talent with the University of Georgia product, George Pickens, and has another solid option in Pro Bowl receiver, Diontae Johnson, who leads the group in terms of production so far this season. The thing is they're young, Taylor said, and working in an offense that has struggled mightily to produce thus far.
The man who wore 24 in black and gold also pointed out they can make room for 2022 training camp standout Calvin Austin III who he was impressed by. Unfortunately, the 4th round pick was knocked out of the team's plans for this season due to a foot injury, but with no Claypool on the books for next season, the speedster from the University of Memphis could certainly factor into the offense in 2023.
It also gives other guys in the receiver room like Steven Sims, Gunner Olszewski, and Miles Boykin potentially all chances to prove if they're going to be part of the future for more than just their special teams' contributions.
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Realistically, Bergin pointed out the Steelers weren't going to hang on to the 24-year-old Abbotsford, BC native anyways, in a year where their odds of competing for a playoff spot are razor thin with a 2-6 record and only the Washington Commanders in 2020 making the postseason by winning the NFC East at 7-9. He probably wasn't signing another contract in Pittsburgh, so go get the draft capital.
For Claypool, he moves from mobile quarterback to mobile quarterback, although Kenny Pickett may not have the dynamic ability of Bears starter, Justin Fields. Taylor says for the young receiver who he believes has talent, "sometimes you just need a reset."
As Bergin mentioned, the team's strength for drafting receivers, Taylor simply nodded and smiled. At the end of the day for the Steelers, this move was about getting richer in the future.
Taylor sees this trade as a reason for him and the scouting staff to be happy to show off their work. Because while the team is entering a key game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, the scouting staff doesn't take time off.
"We are always working. Absolutely. 52 weeks of the year because this is just what we do. We talk football.”
So, Steeler Nation, do you agree with Taylor that the draft capital in this deal was too good to pass up? How do you see Claypool doing with the Bears? As always, let us know what you're thinking down in the comments section below or on our social media feeds.
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