Full steam ahead for part 17 of our 90-part series— assuming the roster does not change before we are complete— which will break down each player of the Steelers current 90-man roster in alphabetical order. This series will encompass many aspects of each players game and their current role with the team. At the end, I’ll give some projected stats as well as their chances to make the 53-man roster.

Let’s take a look at the Steelers top selection in the 2020 NFL Draft:

Chase Claypool

Position: WR
Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 238 lbs
College: Notre Dame
Draft: 2nd round, 49th Overall in 2020

2019 stats (Notre Dame)

66 Receptions
1037 Yards
13 Touchdowns
15.7 Yards per reception

Contract remaining

Official stats are yet to be made official. However, as the 17th pick in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL draft, Claypool will earn $6,616,636 over the next 4 years (2023) with $2.37 Million guaranteed.

Likelihood of making the roster

Lock. When was the last time a team cut its second round pick in his first camp? It was 1999 when Vikings first-round pick Dimitrius Underwood disappeared after the first practice never to return. I personally guarantee this won't happen to Claypool. The big Canadian is primed for a solid rookie season.

2020 projection

Despite not having rookie camp, and despite not getting as many reps with Ben then he would have in years prior, Chase Claypool will put up some solid numbers in 2020. For starters, he will get some very favorable matchups, Diontae Johnson will likely face teams top corners, and JuJu Smith-Schuster will have more success in his return to the slot which will force more safety help his way. This means Chase Claypool will see a ton of 1 on 1’s with teams 2nd and 3rd corners. Not only that, his giant frame will further prey on those matchups.

Projected stats:

53 Receptions
825 Yards
5 Touchdowns

Summary

If Claypool had gotten a full training camp, like in every other regular season, I would have told you he would put up a better rookie stat line than any of the receivers already on the roster. He’s going to bully around defensive backs and will help create one of the most challenging receiving corps to game plan against.

Pssst, you’d be a fool not to draft him in your fantasy football, dynasty leagues.

Previously Highlighted

Ola Adeniyi
Marcus Allen
Tyson Alualu
Trajan Bandy
Zach Banner
J.T. Barrett
John Battle
Jordan Berry
Saeed Blacknall
Breon Borders
Chris Boswell
Antoine Brooks Jr.
Isaiah Buggs
Devin Bush
Deon Cain
Kameron Canaday