Steelers OC Randy Fichtner "anticipates" second-round rookie WR Chase Claypool playing primarily out wide.
Claypool (6'4/238) hauled in 16 catches 20-plus yards downfield in his breakout senior season but was pigeonholed as a tight end at the next level due to his massive frame. Fichtner squashed that sentiment quickly, confirming Claypool would play wideout with some slot sprinkled in.
The 21-year-old logged just 106 snaps (a three-year low) from the middle of the field in his final season with the Fighting Irish but could still be shifted there in the red zone to leverage his size. In the meantime, his 4.42 40 and 40.5-inch vertical give him a leg up on James Washington as a downfield boundary threat.
This is also a terrific development for JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is just one season removed from averaging 1.93 yards per route run from the slot before disappointing in his injury-riddled third year with below-average play under center.
https://www.rotoworld.com/football/nfl/teams/pit/pittsburgh-steelers