Steelers' Chase Claypool, not George Pickens, named possible 'breakout star' at WR

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool generated criticism and, truth be told, even some mockery from individuals within the NFL community when he remarked during an appearance on the "I Am Athlete" podcast in June that he sees himself as "a top-five" and even "a top-three receiver" in the entire league. 

Claypool made such a bold statement coming off a regular season that he finished with 59 catches for 860 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, teammate Diontae Johnson led Pittsburgh with 107 receptions for 1,161 yards and eight scores, and Johnson eventually agreed to a solid contract extension with the Steelers at a time when rookie and second-round draft choice George Pickens was earning rave reviews during summer practice sessions. 

The new-look Pittsburgh offense probably will feature free-agent signing Mitchell Trubisky as its starting quarterback over rookie Kenny Pickett heading into the campaign. ESPN's Dan Graziano clearly thinks either signal-caller will target the confident 24-year-old early and often, because he named Claypool as his potential "breakout star at wide receiver" for a piece published Wednesday morning. 

"Diontae Johnson is the reliable No. 1 in the receiving corps, and the offseason hype about rookie George Pickens is legit -- he really has impressed the coaching staff at every turn," Graziano explained. "But don't forget about Claypool, whose physical gifts make him a mismatch when they use him in the slot and, honestly, all over the field.

"Whether it's Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett or both at QB for the Steelers this year, Claypool has a chance to be a difference-making target who can win on 50-50 balls and be a major factor in the red zone." 

Claypool recorded 62 catches for 873 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie during the 2020 season. He may be able to produce similar numbers beginning this fall if defenses concentrate on stopping the likes of Johnson and Pickens and, in the process, gift Claypool with favorable matchups.