Notice: Undefined offset: 1 in /home/digit572/adidasblog.com/wp-content/themes/jnews/class/ContentTag.php on line 86
[ad_1]
Following their disappointing finish to the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers now flip their focus to the free company, the draft, and, finally, subsequent season.
Given their wage cap constraints, the staff will look very completely different subsequent yr. The 2020 rookie class will nonetheless be in black and gold, although. It was a strong yr for the rookies, led by none apart from Chase Claypool.
With JuJu Smith-Schuster virtually sure to be taking part in elsewhere in 2021, Claypool will probably be in for a a lot larger function. Based mostly on what we noticed in 2020, he’s most likely prepared for the problem.
Claypool’s Stat Line: 109 targets, 62 receptions, 873 receiving yards, 11 whole touchdowns
Statistically, it was a formidable rookie marketing campaign for Claypool, nevertheless it might have been rather more. There have been some video games the place Claypool frustratingly didn’t see a excessive variety of targets.
Early within the season, when issues have been going nicely, Claypool was one of many greatest causes for offensive success. The staff made it a degree to get him the ball, and good issues normally occurred. However throughout Pittsburgh’s three-game shedding streak following their 11-0 begin, Claypool had simply 18 whole targets and eight receptions. With out that down stretch, “Mapletron” would’ve had an much more spectacular rookie marketing campaign.
When evaluating rookies, although, statistics usually are not the top all be all. Claypool’s flashes of excellence are what make him thrilling for 2021 and past. His versatility is probably his finest asset. There are issues he must work on. He has a full offseason to try this, although, one thing he didn’t have getting into his rookie yr.
The very first thing that ought to excite followers about Claypool is his deep menace capability. In fact, a quarterback who can persistently throw the ball deep would assist with this, too.
In 2020, Claypool’s common depth of his targets was 13.2 yards downfield, the very best on the staff. He led all Steelers huge receivers in each yards earlier than and after the catch per reception, 8.8 and 5.3, respectively. One thing else that doesn’t present up within the stat sheet is the yardage that Claypool drew from defensive cross interference calls.
His mixture of pace and measurement make him an actual nightmare for cornerbacks deep down the sector; many occasions, their solely probability is to intrude to stop a completion.
One other space during which Claypool shocked was his route operating. His 2.5 common yards of separation gained’t blow anybody away, however that’s the identical quantity as guys like Michael Thomas and Amari Cooper.
Popping out of faculty, Claypool’s straight-line pace was well-respected, however scouts weren’t as excessive on his capability to vary instructions. For probably the most half, he ran crisp routes in 2020. His measurement and power assist him beat press protection of undersized corners. Additional, he has surprisingly fast toes for a man his measurement. He will get out of his cuts nicely.
These traits ought to excite followers, too, maybe greater than his house run play capability. When the deep ball isn’t there, Claypool can nonetheless be depended upon to get open. Will probably be particularly essential subsequent yr if Ben Roethlisberger’s deep ball doesn’t enhance.
One thing Claypool will probably be engaged on within the offseason is his consistency on 50-50 balls. Typically, he places his huge body to good use and overpowers corners to win bounce balls. Different occasions, he will get good place however doesn’t absolutely prolong his arms to highpoint the ball, leading to incompletions that ought to be catches.
If the offense isn’t throwing deep once more subsequent yr, Claypool will probably be thrown to lots in site visitors. Whether or not it’s a bounce ball alongside the sideline or within the nook of the top zone, he might want to make the performs extra persistently. Claypool won’t ever be coated by a man as huge as him. He makes use of his physique nicely in these conditions however simply must be extra reliable at finishing the catch. That may seemingly be a serious level of emphasis this offseason.
The success of utilizing Claypool within the run sport early within the season pale because the yr went on. With Matt Canada being promoted to offensive coordinator, jet sweeps and the like will seemingly be a staple in 2021. It’s an efficient approach to put Claypool’s open-field pace and physicality to good use. Canada will seemingly attempt to construct off of the motions and sweeps, and Claypool will play an necessary function in that side.
All issues thought of, 2020 was a promising begin to Claypool’s profession. Teaching and quarterback play held him again at occasions. In 2021, there will probably be no “rookie wall” doubtlessly holding him again. He’ll have a full offseason to essentially adapt to NFL life and construct chemistry along with his offensive teammates.
It’s laborious to foretell what subsequent yr will appear like for the Steelers. “Put together for the worst however hope for the very best” might be the very best strategy for followers. However no matter occurs, Chase Claypool will play an necessary function. That’s for certain.
Connor Deitrich is a Contributor with AllSteelers. Observe Connor on Twitter @CDeitrich22, and AllSteelers @si_steelers.
[ad_2]
Source link
