New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: Chase Claypool a big receiver option
A big, productive, speedy wide receiver the New England Patriots should target in the 2020 NFL Draft.
There was an article recently posted about a big receiver who might be available late to the New England Patriots in the NFL draft this later this month. He’s Binjimen Victor from Ohio State. He may be available in a later round and would be a good investment there. Good rumor to start. There is another and better one.
Should the Patriots look to move more aggressively for a big-bodied wide receiver? If so, an option should be Chase Claypool from Notre Dame.
NFL.com sizes him this way, 6’4″ tall and weighing in at a big-time 238 pounds with large hands.
The icing on the cake for Claypool was his running a blazing 4.42 40-yard dash at the combine and leaping a 40.5 inch vertical. Those numbers are off the charts, folks. Totally. At that size, Claypool not only could overpower most defensive backs and outrun some of them, but he could also be a pretty darn difficult cat to tackle for NFL linebacker with his size and tremendous speed.
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Claypool was also highly productive for the Fighting Irish. NFL.com cites him as catching 66 last season for the Irish and gaining 1,037 yards on those catches. He also added 10 touchdowns to those already impressive stats.
Great size. Off-the-charts physically. Very productive. Hmmm… He can’t be had in the middle rounds. Claypool will be a much earlier pick. So, does that rule him out for the New England Patriots? I’ll start a Patriots rumor, No. New England will cast caution to the wind and go up and get this guy earlier. What are the advantages to so doing?
Chase Claypool is monstrous fit for the New England Patriots
NFL.com cites some of Claypool’s attributes this way,
"Claypool doesn’t have shake to get much separation underneath, but he’s physical inside the route and is adept at making contested catches when needed. He has size/strength/speed to bedevil singled up cornerbacks on 50/50 deep balls. He’s a vertical challenger outside, a possession receiver as a big slot, an outstanding run blocker and immediate coverage ace on special teams. His elite traits and diverse skill set could allow him to create a unique footprint as a pro."
Why does he make perfect sense for the New England Patriots? How doesn’t he? The New England Patriots need everything he can offer. The Patriots are wide receiver deficient. Almost nothing. Julian Edelman and nobody.
Claypool can catch it and provides an immediate match-up nightmare for smaller defensive backs. Check. Jules inside and Claypool on the outside is a defensive backfield’s worst nightmare. He also blocks. Check.
In addition, Claypool’s size and speed make him an absolute mismatch for linebackers.
The New England Patriots don’t have an NFL-caliber tight end. None. We expect them to address the tight end position directly in the draft (hopefully, but don’t be shocked if they don’t.
I’ve expressed an opinion on how they could do this previously). But even if they do, Claypool’s size and speed give them a versatile option should he be moved around the formation as an H-back.
New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: 7-round mock draft wish list. dark. Next
Draft Claypool earlier in the draft. Then add tight end Harrison Bryant to the mix, another short-yardage type productive receiver like James Proche and a big power back like Michael Warren II in the draft and the Patriots are on their way to recreating a dynamic offense. As Captain Jean Luc Picard would say, “Make it so.” It’s as easy as that.
Stay well my Friends.