Instant Fantasy Analysis - WR Chase Claypool, Steelers

[The Football Guru 212]

Height/Weight: 6' 4"/238
College: Notre Dame
NFL Comp: Michael Floyd/Devin Funchess

Claypool's otherworldly combination of speed (4.42), vertical (40.5") and size (6-4, 238) might suggest he is positioned well to be the next Vincent Jackson, but his tape did not reflect his combine measurables (outside of his size) very often. Despite his athletic testing numbers, he is not particularly quick or light on his feet. His speed is more of the build-up variety, but his size figures to make him a favorite of Ben Roethlisberger's in the red zone and on shot plays. His performance against Navy (7-117-4) in 2019 is very much indicative of what is possible if he ends up getting used as a movable chess piece in the NFL.

On the downside, the Navy game was the only one of the four games in which he looked worthy of a Day 2 selection. He is considered a receiver at the moment and was announced as such during the draft, suggesting Pittsburgh views him as Martavis Bryant 2.0. A move to tight end cannot be ruled out, however. Considering the Steelers have JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington locked in as the top three receivers on the roster, Claypool will almost certainly be a situational deep threat/red zone option as a rookie - assuming he remains at receiver.

What does it mean in redraft? Much like Bryant a few years back, it's possible - albeit unlikely - Claypool scores on enough big plays to find his way on the fantasy radar at some point. Owners should keep an eye for reports of a Bryant-like role, but it's doubtful he'll be a consistently useful fantasy option.

What does it mean for dynasty? Owners can cling to the possibility he's the next Bryant, but they'd be wise not to spend much more than a mid-to-late second-round pick on him in rookie drafts.