Chase Claypool had just two touchdown receptions last year after hauling in nine touchdowns and rushing for two scores in his rookie campaign. He also had a crucial blunder against the Vikings in Week 13 that cost the team precious time on a final drive in a game that the Steelers lost. All in all, it was a disappointing year for Claypool.
Heading into his third-year, Claypool is oozing with confidence and declared on the I Am Athlete podcast that he’s a top-three wide receiver in the NFL.
“And just like you said, understanding I’m not normal — I feel that way when I’m on the field. I know for a fact I am not like the rest of the guys in the NFL,” Claypool said. ” I know I’m a top-five receiver. I know I’m a top-three receiver.
“When I’m working, I’m like, ‘I’m a dog.’ I’m gonna dog people that are lining up across from me, too. And I’ve just got to bring that confidence and I’ve got to bring that spirit and I’ve just got to show the people. And it’s going to happen. And we’re going to rewind this and we’re going to see this clip in a little bit and they’re going to be like, ‘Damn, he was right.'”
Claypool also acknowledged that he left some plays out on the field last year, especially 50-50 balls, and that Ben Roethlisberger didn’t go back to him because of it at times.
“I’m going to say, my second year, I was a better football player than I was my first year,” Claypool said. “The plays just didn’t work out, right? Some of the plays didn’t go my way. I didn’t make some plays I needed to make. But as a football player, understanding the game, knowing what to do, knowing where to be, I was better. So I’m going to be better this year.”
Chase Claypool said he expects to have 1,300 yards receiving and 10-plus touchdowns this year. Claypool also thinks the Steelers will go 13-4. Talk about confidence…