Instant reactions are inevitable from fans and media whenever a big trade occurs. That was no different when the Chicago Bears sent a 2nd round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for wide receiver Chase Claypool. Predictably, reactions were mixed. Many loved that GM Ryan Poles was finally trying to add weapons around Justin Fields. Others felt the Bears overpaid, feeling a high 2nd rounder was too much for a wide receiver that hasn’t played too well this year.
Not everybody seems to think that way. Others inside the league itself maintain a high opinion of Claypool and the talent he brings to the table. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reached out to some of his sources, hoping to gauge what the Bears accomplished. One answer he got back puts the move in a positive light. Ability won’t be a problem with Claypool. It will be how well he can focus amidst the distractions of a large media market.
“Great get for the Bears,” texted one AFC personnel man. “He’s a playmaker, though not the cleanest hands. Hopefully he stays focused in the big city and off social media. He loves attention.”
Chase Claypool can help with his mere presence.
People can argue whether he’s a #1 guy all day. The fact is he is a good enough player to where defensive backs must respect him. That will make shadowing Darnell Mooney with two guys more difficult. The last thing a defense wants is to give Mooney more space to work. Beyond that is the fit. Everybody agrees that Claypool is at his best as a vertical threat. His mixture of size and speed was lethal down the field during his first two years in Pittsburgh when Ben Roethlisberger was the quarterback. It isn’t a surprise his production sagged when Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett took over. Justin Fields is far similar to Roethlisberger in playing style.
That speaks to good scouting by the Bears. Not only is Chase Claypool an exceptional talent, but he also should mesh with his new quarterback. The fact others around the league think it’s a good move further validates what Poles is trying to accomplish. Fields and Claypool can use the remaining nine games to build chemistry. Then the real fun begins in 2023.
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Let’s hope that Claypool has matured, and that Poles gets this right. Claypool is an excellent talent, and. if he succeeds, it would be the second pick of trades and signings Poles has made that will had a positive impact on this team. N’Keal Harry may work in well, too.
He fits 2 things. 1 is the mold of what Poles looks for: Young, Big and Fast! #2 is that propensity of Poles to look for High Pick struggling players looking for a 2nd chance.
Ok, maybe the FA market is dull for 2023 but what about offseason trades? Did people really think GB was going to trade Adams? Or what about Cooper for a 5th? Are Claypool’s maturity issues the reason he was the 4th option for Tru/Pickett or was it poor QB play/Matt Canada’s play calling? Why did they draft Pickens then? There are A LOT of questions regarding this trade. I believe it’s a heady trade by Poles, but only time will tell. The possible comp pick is a nice topper if he doesn’t pan out, so is sticking it to the… Read more »
Very nice and offers experience and explosive dynamics to this offense.
I agree with David’s comment that Baltimore may simply look at Roquan as a rental, then, recoup a Compensatory Pick at the end of the season. I just don’t see them coming to agreements with both Jackson and Roquan, who are novices at negotiating contracts. Although, Jackson doesn’t seem to take the process as personally as overly-sensitive Roquan does. He also doesn’t seem to have a need to make them public when things aren’t going his way. I just don’t think he’s coming back to play for the Bears under any circumstances. Regarding the Claypool pickup, in my opinion, that… Read more »