The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Notre Dame receiver/tight end Chase Claypool:
What he can do
– Elite athlete, whether he plays receiver or tight end. Destroyed the combine. Ran 4.42 and hit 40.5″ on the vertical at 6-4 and 238 pounds
– Size and speed translate to the field. Defenders must respect vertical speed and length
– Terrific at using size to beat coverage at the catch point and win contested catches
– Not particularly elusive but still very difficult to tackle. Broke tackles at a high rate. Strong. Keeps balance through contact
– Really brings it in the run game as a blocker. Physicality and willingness to mix it suggest high potential as an inline tight end
– Mismatch in the middle of the field, with big catch radius and toughness with defenders near
– Unique versatility. Played in the slot and on the perimeter. NFL teams will want him moving all around the formation
– Bullies his way through press coverage at the line
– Didn’t always separate against cornerbacks but he’d make easy work of most linebackers and safeties
How he fits
The Packers have needs at receiver and tight end, and Claypool has the size, athleticism and receiving ability to impact the game at both positions. Teams will see his speed and want to play him at receiver; smart teams will see his size and physicality and make him a move tight end, with all the qualities required of a mismatch weapon in the passing game. The Packers could use him in the slot and even some inline (after he bulks up) and get a big-time threat as a pass-catcher. Claypool and Jace Sternberger as a tight end combo is certainly intriguing, even if they’re both more receiver than blocker at this point. It’s possible Claypool could give the Packers help as a vertical threat and in the middle of the field.
NFL comp
Former Packers tight end Jared Cook. They are both big, elite athletes with receiver-type skillsets. Claypool has similar potential as a field-tilting pass-catcher at tight end. Think of Claypool as a slightly bigger but far more athletic version of Allen Lazard. They play the game in similar ways. Tough and physical.
Where Packers could get him
An outstanding performance at the combine will elevate his stock greatly, making it difficult to pinpoint when he’ll come off the board in April. It’s a deep receiver class but a weak tight end class, and teams are always looking for pass-catching threats at tight end. There’s a chance Claypool could be a Day 2 pick. Maybe the Packers will be willing to take a chance at No. 62 or No. 94 overall.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk