The Indianapolis Colts are expected to target a wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The organization is looking for a reliable No. 2 receiver to place alongside T.Y. Hilton.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes that the Colts are the best fit for Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool.
He is one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the 2020 draft.
Would drafting Claypool be a good idea for the Colts?
His College Career
Claypool didn’t start making a name for himself until his junior year in college.
He hauled in a total of 34 receptions through his first two seasons, but exploded onto the scene after the 2017 season.
Claypool finished with 50 receptions, 639 receiving yards, and four touchdowns to put himself on the map his junior season at Notre Dame.
He finished his college career out with a bang, hauling in 66 receptions, 1,037 yards, and 13 touchdowns during the 2019 season.
His performance during his senior year really made him stand out, but he increased his draft stock significantly during the NFL Combine.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool was one of the biggest winners of the day, finishing with a 97 Athleticism Score per the Next Gen Stats Draft Model.
At 6'4, 238 lbs, Claypool ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, the only WR over 230 lbs to break 4.45 since Calvin Johnson (2007). pic.twitter.com/piL2rydCV9
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 28, 2020
Claypool’s NFL Combine
He recorded a 4.42 forty yard dash (7th best), 19 bench press reps (5th best), a 40.5 inch vertical (4th best) among all wide receivers at the combine.
Claypool is an athletic and physical receiver that is drawing comparisons to plenty of current and former NFL superstars.
Whether or not he lives up to the hype is another thing, but Claypool has the size and ability to become an elite receiver in the NFL.
#NotreDame receiver, Chase Claypool, tested at the 80th percentile or better in the forty, vertical, and broad jump at 238 pounds.
Since 2005, only Matt Jones, Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, D.K. Metcalf, and Miles Boykin have accomplished those marks at 220 plus. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/eBt6k8lfmD
— Context Matters (@dwainmcfarland) March 3, 2020
Being able to accomplish something that superstar players like Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones did is a truly special feat.
It’s unknown if his skills will translate to the NFL, but Claypool’s skillset is rare and professional organizations have definitely taken notice after his impressive performance.
Would Claypool Fit on the Colts?
The Colts have been having issues having a reliable receiver to pair next Hilton for years.
The departure of tight end Eric Ebron leaves the Colts without a big-bodied target to use near the red zone.
Hilton is fantastic, but Indy is looking for a different type of player that doesn’t rely on speed and agility.
Claypool could be exactly what the Colts are looking to add this offseason.
Scouts were already talking about a potential move to tight end for Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool but after weighing in at 238 pounds that talk is heating up. One scout told me he’s a potential matchup nightmare for defenses. He’s a round 3 player on my board.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 24, 2020
There is some talk that Claypool could become a hybrid wide receiver-tight end.
Assuming that is able to work effectively, then the Colts could potentially have a dangerous offense in 2020.
Having a downfield deep threat like Claypool who could operate as a hybrid player would be a dream could true for Indy.
It remains to be seen if that is what will happen with Claypool, but regardless he appears to be a fit for the Colts current roster.
No one knows how the draft will play out, but there’s a decent chance that Claypool will be available at the No. 34 pick.
Indy might be able to wait until the No. 44 pick, but after his impressive combine, he could be drafted earlier before the Colts have a chance to select him.
On paper, this appears to be a great fit for the organization, so hopefully the Colts are able to get their big-bodied threat.
NEXT: Can Colts LB Darius Leonard Be Even Better In 2020?