Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool said during his recent guesting on the “I Am Athlete Podcast” that he is a top-three receiver in the NFL.
Football fans had mixed reactions regarding his statement, depending on how they are taking Claypool’s words.
Undoubtedly, the former Notre Dame standout wasn’t even a top-ten wideout last season.
Likewise, he is yet to reach 1,000 receiving yards in his NFL career even if he has the talent to do so.
Therefore, there are several receivers who did better than him in 2021.
I can name 40+ receivers I’d take over Chase Claypool https://t.co/upYmLlau88
— Ramey (@HoodieRamey) June 20, 2022
That Twitter user is onto something by taking Claypool off the radar.
If he was playing fantasy football, he might not even pencil in the Steelers’ wide receiver on his team.
Furthermore, Claypool’s thinking means that he plays like Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams.
Unfortunately, he is yet to reach the level of those All-Pro athletes.
But in some ways, fans take his statement as nothing but motivation.
Stats might not back up his claim but self-belief helps elevate his game.
Therefore, this statement is his way of pushing himself to be better.
Otherwise, it would be weird to say something of this nature instead.
I think it would be more strange if Chase Claypool said “I think I’m a top 25-50 WR”
— Mike Nicastro (@MikedUpSports1) June 20, 2022
Why would you even play if you don’t think you’re the best?
It’s Not Entirely Claypool’s Fault
While Claypool is a talented wide receiver, there are some limitations caused by external factors, as this fan argues.
Chase Claypool isn't a top 3 receiver. But he is a very talented guy who's been held back by QB play. He's better than most people think he is and I wouldn't be shocked to see him put up some big numbers with a competent QB
— Chad 🏈🏌️♂️🏀 (@ChadW_FF) June 21, 2022
He’s on to something because Ben Roethlisberger was a shell of his old self in his final NFL season.
Meanwhile, the verdict is still out on Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, whoever wins the starting role.
Imagine what Claypool can accomplish with a more consistent play-caller.
By then, his top-three claim might be more realistic.
But with the Steelers entering the post-Roethlisberger era, they need new leaders to galvanize their offense.
Chase Claypool wanting to be the best is a good thing. It will only make that unit stronger. The offense needs leadership, why can’t it be these two budding wideouts?
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) June 21, 2022
Since Claypool is already making bold statements, he could also motivate his teammates to be great.
Aside from being the team’s hype man, he can lead by example and have over 1,000 receiving yards in 2022.
If that happens, his claim won’t sound delusional anymore.
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