Chase Claypool: A budding new draft romance for Pittsburgh Steelers fans?

The Steelers draft fan is a bit of a fickle mistress—some would say she has a wandering eye.

Not long ago, she was playing the field and sending out indicators of interest to Jalen Hurts, the handsome Oklahoma quarterback and possible heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger, as well as J.K. Dobbins, the smokin’ hot running back out of Ohio State who could easily make her forget about the on-again, off-again, love/hate romance with Le’Veon Bell.

But when it comes to the insatiable Steelers draft fan, she’s always on the prowl for someone new, and just who is the potential new suitor in her life? How about Chase Claypool, the big, rugged receiver out of Notre Dame?

Yes, despite some perfectly fine receivers at home to choose from in JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Diontae Johnson, whenever Claypool’s name is mentioned, the Steelers draft fan’s eyes just light up. “If he was there at 49, you better believe I’d take a shot at that fella,” she’s often heard whispering to her friends whenever Pittsburgh’s needs in the 2020 NFL Draft are discussed.

Let’s take a look at this mystery hunk, shall we?

According to Chase’s Wikipedia Page, he was born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. A weird sounding hometown, yes, but if he’s from Canada, he’s surely nice and courteous—every Steelers draft fan loves a gentleman.

As per College Football Reference, Claypool played four years at South Bend and increased his production each season, from five to 29 to 50 to 66 receptions for 1,037 years in his senior year. Ambitious, a climber, someone who is never satisfied where he is—no wonder Steelers draft fan suddenly has her eye on him.

When you pore over Chase’s post-Combine NFL.com Draft Profile, you see that, for starters, he’s 6’4” and 238 pounds, physical attributes that draw comparisons to Miles Boykin, a former college teammate and a current member of the Baltimore Ravens.

How fast is Claypool? 4.42 in the 40. How strong? 19 reps in the bench press. I don’t know about you, but those sound like the traits of a hunter and gatherer.

What else does NFL.com say about Claypool? “Strong competitive nature.” That’s hot. “Presents a sizable target with an expansive catch radius.” Finally, Big Ben might have his big red zone soulmate.

What else? “Pancake maker with nasty demeanor as run blocker.” Step back! Now I see Steelers draft fan’s infatuation—nothing she desires more than a receiver who loves to block.

There are some unflattering traits, such as “Pedestrian release to challenge press” and “Not a natural technician as a ball-catcher.” Also, according to his draft profile, “Claypool doesn’t have shake to get much separation underneath,” but who says Steelers draft fan wants him to go anywhere? She’s changed receivers before, and she’ll do it again!

What about his social media activity? After all, if there’s one thing that turns Steelers draft fan off, it’s a man who runs his mouth, doesn’t listen and makes it all about him.

If we go to his Twitter page, we see that, on March 5, Claypool went live on some video chat service called Yoke. Oh no, a brand furthering-type—I can see Steelers draft fan quickly losing interest.

Receivers, they’re all alike.

But wait a second, did you see the pancake block Claypool laid on some poor beta defender back in 2017? Steelers draft fan just noticed, and now she can’t stop giggling like a schoolgirl.

As of now, Claypool is projected to be available when the Steelers make their move with the 49th pick (Round 2) of the 2020 NFL Draft, but will he still be available? You know how it is with draft fans, the second other draft fans start noticing a player, that player becomes much more attractive and begins to draw attention from all around. Maybe that’s why it was no surprise that draft guru Mel Kiper had the Packers taking Claypool at the end of Round 1 in his latest mock draft.

Steelers draft fan is clearly smitten with Claypool, but she may now have company.

Chase Claypool, quite possibly the new man in Steelers draft fan’s life. Is this the start of something special or just a fleeting infatuation?