Wide receiver Chase Claypool has produced consistent numbers ever since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, the former Notre Dame standout had 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns.
Last year, Claypool caught 59 balls for 860 yards and two touchdowns.
He also gained playoff experience in both years but the Steelers failed to win any of their postseason games.
Without question, he is a big part of the team’s success that kept head coach Mike Tomlin’s distinction of not having a losing season.
But his latest declaration about himself will definitely get mixed reactions.
Chase Claypool says he’s a Top-3️⃣ WR in the league 👀 pic.twitter.com/W9WjFWIrRa
— PFF (@PFF) June 20, 2022
In his recent guesting at the I Am Athlete Podcast, Claypool declared that he is a top-three receiver.
While his claim is up for debate, he has an opportunity to prove that he is right.
In his third year in the league, he should make the jump from average to elite.
Therefore, he should have more than 1,000 receiving yards in 2022 to back up his claim.
There are a lot of talented receivers in the league and Claypool might not be in the conversation yet regarding the best in the position.
However, his statement is also a fantastic way to motivate himself and do better.
Critical Year For Claypool
Aside from proving that he is one of the best receivers in the league, the upcoming season will be important for Claypool.
Doing well in his third NFL season might earn him a lucrative contract extension from the Steelers.
He has two years left in his rookie deal and he is not eligible for a fifth-year option.
That said, he should make the jump from a talented receiver to a Pro Bowler if he wants to remain a Steeler for a longer time.
Otherwise, the team might hesitate to offer him a contract or assign him the franchise tag.
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