Chase Claypool Won't Be Slept On Anymore

Chase Claypool entered the 2020 NFL Combine with questions about if he would be a receiver or tight end at the next level. 

The jury still might be out for 6-foot-4, 238-pounder, but Claypool showed he has the speed to play receiver after his 4.42 40-yard dash. 

"I really haven't a lot of thought into that because I've been a receiver this whole time," Claypool said of the tight end talk. "It's something I think could add versatility to my game, but right now, I'm focused on being the best receiver I can be." 

Following the Reese's Senior Bowl, NFL scouts were talking about Claypool being a tight end and weighing in at 238 at the Combine only increased that thought. 

 "I think because of the weight, they assume it's bad weight," stated Claypool. "I have a good opportunity to prove it's not with the 40. After this week, I think people will understand that I have a special combination of size and speed."

Most receivers aren't light at 230, but that's why Claypool is a unicorn. 

The list of 6-foot-4, 235-pounder receivers who have run sub-4.45 is two. 

Claypool and Calvin Johnson. 

"I would say weighted in kind of light at the Senior Bowl," Claypool explained. "I didn't really eat or drink anything before the weigh-in. I was probably more 233 at the time. 

"I was super hydrated for this weigh-in because of the cross country travel and for the things we're going to do. I would say I weighed in light at the Senior Bowl and heavy here. I'm back down to my natural weight, which is closer to 230." 

Claypool proved he could play receiver during his Notre Dame career as he recorded 150 receptions for 2,159 yards and 19 touchdowns over his career. 

The production also came from all over the field as Claypool lined up at every receiver position.

"I proved I can be versatile in terms of inside or outside," Claypool said. "I'm one of the rare guys who can line up at all positions on the field and do well. I think I can excel anywhere." 

Claypool has now proven himself as a receiver at the Reese's Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, so now all he can do is wait for his name to be called in April. 

"I don't think I did anything different," said Claypool. "I think people saw me actually being able to do things against top talent. I knew I could do all those things and I had to show I could do it. 

"The more I come out to these events that have scouts, I think more people understand I shouldn't be as slept on as I am."