Chase Claypool: 2020 Dynasty Rookie Profile
Position: WR
School: Notre Dame
Class: Senior
Date of Birth: June 7, 1998
Height: 6-4 Weight: 238lbs
Athletic Testing
40-Time: 4.42
Speed Score: 129.8 (99th-percentile)
Burst Score: 131.9 (92nd-percentile)
Bio
Chase Claypool grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. He played both football and basketball in high school but wasn’t really on the radar as a college prospect. That is, until he posted his highlights on Facebook. With the added attention, Claypool became a top-20 wide receiver prospect and a four-star recruit. Though he played in 12 games as a freshman at Notre Dame, Claypool was barely involved in the offense. In fact, he finished the year with more special teams tackles (eight) than receptions (five).
See Where Chase Claypool Lands In Our 2020 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
Claypool got on the field a bit more in 2017, catching 29 passes for 402 yards (13.9 YPR) and two touchdowns. Finally a full-time starter as a junior, Claypool started 12 of 13 games and hauled in 50 receptions for 639 yards (12.8 YPR) and four touchdowns. In 13 starts as a senior, Claypool led the Fighting Irish with 66 receptions on 108 targets for 1,037 yards (15.7 YPR). His 13 touchdowns was among the 10 best in the country.
Claypool underwhelmed during senior bowl week but managed to find the end zone on game day. Although, he only reached six yards on two catches. The Combine was a different story as he was the star of night one. Measuring in at 6-4, 238-pounds, Claypool shocked everyone with a 4.42 40-time which translates to an incredible 129.8 (99th-percentile) Speed Score. He also jumped high and far, earning himself a 131.9 (92nd-percentile) Burst Score and proving he in an explosive athlete.
College Stats
Chase Claypool College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference.com
Positives
+Size-Speed Freak; 129.8 (99th-percentile) Speed Score
+131.9 (92nd-percentile) Burst Score
+33.4-percent (63rd-percentile) Dominator
+15.7 (64th-percentile) YPR
+124.9 passer rating when targeted
+2.48 yards per route
+57.7-percent contested catch rate
+35.1-percent TD Share
Negatives
-21.2 (33rd-percentile, Senior season) Breakout Age
-Not a natural technician
-9.6-percent drop rate; seven drops
-Got by on sheer size and athleticism at Notre Dame
-Didn’t see starter snaps until junior season
-No career kick/punt returns
-Six career rushing yards in four seasons
Highlight Reel
Best Comparable Player (PlayerProfiler): Dorial Green-Beckham
NFL Draft Projection: Middle Rounds
Finishing up my Chase Claypool rookie profile today, it’ll publish @YardsPer tomorrow.
I have my thoughts—as you’ll be able to read tomorrow—but I’m interested to hear what Twitter thinks…
Do you think he should move to TE or stay at WR? Why?#FantasyFootball #NFLDraft
— Alex Johnson (@a_johnsonFF) March 31, 2020
Bottom Line:
While Claypool sure impressed at the Combine, it appears he is more athlete than wide receiver. In fact, many scouts and analysts believe he would be best suited for a position change from receiver to tight end, and I agree. Claypool has good hands but is far from a natural technician. He struggles to create consistent separation and could barely get on the field on offense until his junior season. He is anything but dynamic and he got by on sheer size and athleticism at Notre Dame, something that won’t work at the NFL level.
A move to tight end is possible because he is already nearly 240-pounds and a good blocker. He could bulk up to 250-255-pounds and be the next Darren Waller. He would be the TE1 in the class if he went that route. If he chooses to stick it out at wide receiver, Claypool will be best suited for a big slot role as a part-time receiver and special teams ace. Luckily for him, his abilities on kick coverage will help him stick on an NFL roster long enough to develop his skills on the offense, whatever the position.
Claypool is likely to find draft capital sometime between the fourth and fifth rounds. It will be interesting to see if the team selecting him announces him as a wide receiver or tight end. As a dynasty asset, Chase Claypool will likely be over-drafted based on his Combine performance, but is best left on the board until the late rounds as nothing but a dart throw.
Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, NFL.com, PFF
