Chase Claypool discusses Kenny Pickett, quarterback competition
During a recent episode of the I Am Athlete podcast, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool sat down with the cast and talked all things Steelers related. One of the main topics discussed is the Steelers quarterback situation heading into next season. And Claypool gave his take on rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett and the ongoing quarterback competition.
“He looks good. He’s mobile, fast, faster than people think,” said Claypool. “So that’s gonna be new for us and I think it’s gonna create plays. You see like so many of Ja’Marr’s (Chase) plays and Tee’s (Higgins) plays are from Joe (Burrow) leaving the pocket making plays happen. And we’re young, we’re versatile, we’re dynamic so he’s gonna add to that.”
With the stance Claypool took on Pickett, former NFL Pro-Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall wanted to know who was his favorite quarterback during offseason training camps thus far. And Claypool didn’t mince words with his answer.
“Yeah, you know I can’t answer that.”
The Steelers entered this offseason on a quest to find their next franchise quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger retired following their wild-card playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Pittsburgh brought in the former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears, Mitchell Trubisky, to compete with last year’s backup, Mason Rudolph. The Steelers went and added more fuel to the competition when they drafted Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Currently, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be the Steelers starter come week one. But whoever is under center for Pittsburgh will have a dynamic threat on the outside in Claypool.
Claypool reveals what he learned from TikTok criticism
The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool is poised to be the next in line of talented receivers to play for the Steel City. However, in his young career, he has ruffled a few feathers with his use of the social media platform, Tik-Tok. During a recent interview on the I am Athlete Podcast, Claypool explained what he’s learned from the TikTok criticism and how his mindset has changed going forward.
“It’s always better to post after a game. ‘Cause before, I would post the day before a game or something, and then everyone goes to that and goes ‘boom that’s the reason why we lost.’ So now I’ll probably just do it after the game,” said Claypool.
Claypool impressed in year one but seemed to regress a bit in his production after being named to the 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team. He caught three fewer passes as a full starter for Pittsburgh for 13 fewer yards, as well as only two touchdowns on the season compared to nine as a rookie. He finished 35th in receiving yards in the NFL and 54th in total receptions last year. That regression was blamed on the young receiver’s focus or lack thereof because of Tik-Tok.