There were 11 wide-receivers taken in the 2020 NFL draft before Chase Claypool was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Statistically, it was an impressive rookie season for Claypool, but it could have been even more special. The Steelers decided to reign in the rookie for much of the season which limited his ability to put up massive numbers in his rookie year. The reason why he was held back was because the Steelers felt he would eventually hit a rookie wall. It seemed Claypool never hit a rookie wall in 2020, but he did say he felt fresh heading into the end of the 2020 season.
Claypool ended his 2020 season with 62 receptions, 873 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. He could have surpassed 1,000 receiving yards had the Steelers let him play more in 2020. Claypool won the rookie of the year award with the Steelers. He was the recipient of the Joe Greene Great Performance Award. Many players were impressed by Claypool such as Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin, and even Joe Haden.
Joe Haden on Chase Claypool: "He has impressed me for sure," said cornerback Joe Haden during camp. "Just his size, his speed, his ability to adjust to the ball in the air. He is out there asking questions, just getting the routes. I think he is a great young talent. His work ethic shows he wants to be great. He just gets after it."
Pro Football Focus ranked Claypool the seventh most valuable non-first round rookie in the NFL this season. Chase was a big-play threat for the Steelers throughout 2020. Heading into 2021 he could see more play on the football field because JuJu Smith-Schuster could leave for free agency in the 2021 offseason. If JuJu does leave it would look like Dionate Johnson, Chase Claypool, and James Washington will become the dominant wide-receivers on the Steelers unless they draft or add a free agent in 2021.
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