Ryan Clark defends Chase Claypool over 'controversial' top-three wide receiver comments

Pittsburgh Steelers young star receiver Chase Claypool made waves recently when he said he was a top-three receiver in the NFL. And while some are having a hard time getting behind his claim, former Steelers star Ryan Clark is all for it. On Monday, Clark gave his support to Claypool’s ‘controversial’ claim of being a top-three receiver.

“Man, if you don’t believe you’re top 3, then who will? It’s ok to say it when you aren’t if you do what you gotta do to get there. In truth, you’ll know you’re top 3 when you don’t even have to say it,” wrote Clark via Twitter.

It is nice to see Clark coming to the defense of his Steel City brethren, which has not always been the case. The former Pittsburgh defensive back turned NFL expert for ESPN was critical of Claypool last season. Clark was displeased after the young wide receiver celebrated a first-down catch in the Steelers’ 36-28 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. The catch was made in the closing moments of the game, and his celebration cost the Steelers vital time off the clock. Claypool acknowledged his error later on, but the damage might have already been done. The former Notre Dame receiver saw a drop in his targets the following contest and struggled over the last four games. Claypool had 12 catches on 34 targets with 107 yards and just one touchdown to close out the season.

Last season, Claypool 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.

His comments drew criticism from around the league as he hasn’t broken the 900-yard mark in either of his first two seasons. But confidence is a big part of being able to achieve great things and Clark agrees. If Claypool wants to make good on his claim, he will need a career-defining season in 2022-2023. And if he can do that, the young Steelers star just might have a very real claim at being a top-three receiver in the NFL.