PRO 2020 Rookie Spotlight: Chase Claypool, WR Notre Dame

Rookie Spotlight: Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Height: 6’4 3/8”
Weight: 229 pounds
Hands: 10″
Arm: 33 1.8″
40 yard dash: 4.42 (unofficial)
NFL Comparison: Allen Lazard, JJ Arcega-Whiteside

Pros
– prototypical size
– diverse route tree
– reliable hands
– contested catch proficient
– wide catch radius
– solid run blocker
– special teams ace
– huge team receiving share numbers as a senior

Cons
– more quick than fast
– production mostly limited to one season

2019 Team Market-Share Numbers

26% team receptions
32% team receiving yards
35% team receiving TDs

Scouting Notes: It’s Claypool’s size that initially jumps off the screen, as he’s 6’4’’ and almost 230 pounds, but it’s his quickness, considering that size, that stands out after the fact. Claypool plays basketball as well, so it’s understandable how he moves so well in tight spaces. It also lends to his ability to block out his defenders to gain position for contested catches. Claypool was ranked 8th in college football per Pro Football Focus in 2019 for contested-catches-made with 13. He was also the team’s highest-graded player in PFF scoring as lead analyst Mike Renner wrote prior to CFB Week 14: Claypool is Notre Dame’s highest-graded offensive player and has his second consecutive 50-catch season. His six receiving touchdowns in the past three games equals his touchdown totals over the previous three seasons, and his 117.5 passer rating when targeted is good for 26th in the FBS.

Claypool often creates separation that way, in opposition to outrunning his opponents, although evidence can certainly be found on tape of him getting behind the defense much like a Arcega-Whiteside or Lazard-like archetype. You’d expect a player of Claypool’s stature to mostly run routes where he can go deep and take the top off the defense, but he actually ran plenty of slants and screens at Notre Dame – he was successful in both areas. Claypool’s downside is that most of his production came in his senior season, so we haven’t seen if he can be a consistent contributor over time. I suppose this isn’t a downside so much as a question though, so it’s hard to hold it against him.

Fantasy Outlook: Claypool has overcome unthinkable family tragedy to become an impressive young man during his time at Notre Dame. He’s a strong character guy with unquestionable intangibles, and if he has a good Senior Bowl and strong Combine showing (particularly his 40 time) he can easily work his way into Day 2 if not possibly even the tail-end of the first round of the 2020 draft (although it may be tough given the volume of high-level WR prospects in this draft). With 13 TDs in his final season at Notre Dame, it’s apparent that he’s a lightning rod in the end zone and he’ll be an instant fantasy asset as soon as he gets into the red zone. Overflowing with upside, Claypool needs to be firmly entrenched on dynasty radars.

From the Notre Dame Athletic Department

– One of the top players ever to come out of British Columbia and an elite wide receiver prospect

– Helped Abbotsford reach the 2015 British Columbia High School Football AA Championship game (first such berth since 1984)

– Last Canadian to sign with the Irish was linebacker Bill Mitoulas from Toronto, Ontario, in 1994

– In 2015, versatile athlete caught 58 passes for 1,473 yards and 18 TDs; rushed for 567 yards and eight TDs on 47 carries; completed six of eight passes for 103 yards and three TDs; added 74 tackles, including two sacks, two fumble recoveries and five interceptions; returned four punts for 195 yards (two TDs) and seven kickoffs for 176 yards (one TD)

– Held the following school records: career and single-season TDs, career and single-season receiving yards, career and single-season receptions, single-season tackles, career and single-season interceptions and longest receiving TD

– One of three finalists for the Sports BC 50th annual Athlete of the Year

– Selected to participate in Nike’s 2015 “The Opening” in Beaverton, Oregon and the 2016 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida

– No. 280-ranked player nationally and No. 12-ranked tight end on Scout.com 300 list

– No. 159-ranked player in the nation and No. 12-ranked wide receiver on ESPN 300 list

– No. 170-ranked player in the nation and No. 33-ranked wide receiver on 247Sports.com Top 247

– No. 109-ranked player in the nation and No. 22-ranked wide receiver on Rivals.com 250 list

– No. 262-ranked player on the Tom Lemming Prep Football Report

– Played for head coach Jay Fujimura at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School

– Enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management consulting

EDITOR’S NOTE: Like all rookie profiles, this one will continue to be updated through the winter and spring with intel as we acquire it. When applicable/available, these profiles will be supplemented with transcriptions of scouting combine interviews with the players following the event, new photos and videos as well as other media we can gather through our offseason pursuits of fantasy dominance. 

2 Comments

  1. ↓ Post By Baron VonIronCock

    Have yall seen him play in person ?
    Look at that wingspan !

    Canadian eh ?
    that means he’s a hard worker, and likely very polite !

    1. ↓ Post By Alex Dunlap

      Haven’t seen him yet, but will get our chance at the Senior Bowl – always start out the evals with Senior Bowl players.

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