Draft Profile: Chase Claypool

February 13, 2020 /
  • Height: 6’4″
  • Weight: 238lb
  • College: Notre Dame
  • Tape watched: Georgia, Virginia Tech, Louisville
  • NFL Comparison: Darren Waller

Pros

  • Size
    At 6’4” 238 Claypool might be the largest receiver in the NFL draft.  He has a sturdy frame, appears to have a good wingspan, and good body control in the air and on the boundary.
  • Hands
    Strong hands in most situations.  Had a few drops trying to run with the ball, but overall shows the ability to attack the football and secure the catch.
  • YAC
    Claypool is a beast after the catch.  He has enough speed and size to create good momentum that he uses extremely well to his advantage.
  • Blocking
    Claypool by all accounts has high interests in blocking.  He reportedly dominated cornerbacks in blocking drills during the Senior Bowl week.  At times, he looks hesitant to find work on run plays, but his strength pops when he gets his hands on defenders.  He has the kind of non-stop motor NFL front offices love to see as well.

Cons

  • Separation
    Separation is going to be the biggest question surrounding Claypool as a wide receiver at the next level. At a reported 238 pounds, Claypool has just average mobility for a big receiver.  His ability to play between the 20 yard lines as a true outside receiver will be hindered by his ability to get to the top of his routes in a timely fashion. 
  • Route Running
    Claypool is a vertical plane receiver.  He rarely ran routes that involved cuts more than a hitch or post.  He is best as a jump ball, back shoulder, and drag route runner where he can play one-on-one with a defender or catch the ball in space underneath on shallow crossers.  Claypool lacks the ability to create separation with burst in and out of breaks.
  • Release
    Long-slow strides prohibit Claypool from getting the ball quickly.  Notre Dame effectively used him on drag routes to let him run with the football.  Outside of that, most of Claypool’s catches were contested with defenders on his hip.

Overview

Chase Claypool is as interesting of a draft prospect as Baylor wide receiver Jalen Hurd was in 2019.  Hurd started as a running back at Tennessee, and transferred to Baylor to play wide receiver.  Hurd ended up being selected 67th overall in the third round by the 49ers and before his season ended due to injury, had been rumored in a conversion to tight end.  Hurd is almost exactly the same size as Claypool, although more athletic. 

This isn’t to say Claypool has no future at wide receiver, but his skillset may benefit him most at a different position, or at the very least a mixed role.  Claypool is a matchup nightmare in the redzone for cornerbacks and is a force with the football in open space.  At the very least he should find playing time on special teams as a rookie.

Combine Update
Claypool put on a show at the combine, posting a vertical over 40 inches and a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds. This should be enough to put tight end talks to an end.