Amari Cooper

Except Pittsburgh tried this in 2022... to not much avail. Granted, Big Ben did not assist much in this regard with his waning abilities but Claypool's skillset sadly does not match up to what a deep threat needs to be; oh snap speed with the ability to set up opposing DB's outside the numbers on the boundary. Claypool has the speed but not the ability of the latter to do so and, quite frankly, should not be used on the outside as much as I initially thought anyways.


A true track burner has to have both; something this upcoming class has in spades. Alec Pierce or George Pickens are still the odds on favorites as they have had formal meetings with the team. I am still not counting out Calvin Austin from Memphis, Skyy Moore from Western Michigan or even Tyquan Thornton from Baylor either.

 

I think there is something more to how fast a guy can run in his underwear for 40 yards. I think the only thing a 40 time really does is disqualify some players from playing WR and CB.

I for one am curious to see if Claypool blows up this year now that we can start throwing the ball down the field again. Claypool has the size and speed combination most scouts dream about. Now the only question remains, is can he start running under those deep passes this year?

 

The first statement would be true if players like "Bullet" Bob Hayes, Cliff Branch, Randy Moss, DeSean Jackson, Santonio Holmes and Tyreek Hill all did not contradict it. Rather, the first statement is half true; how that speed is used is much different than having mere track speed to begin with. How does the WR stack opposing DBs outside the numbers? How efficiently are they able to split coverages? How quickly can they shift into high gear? Again, just some of a plethora of questions but questions that must be answered nevertheless.


Chase has shown he has the speed to do so but has not done his part effectively enough to be relied upon. It is not a secret that the Steelers brass see this shortcoming; deep threat WR's with track speed being high on their annual WR Menu of sorts. Pickens, Moore and Pierce all have Mike Tomlin's attention; others like Calvin Austin and Tyquan Thornton likely soon thereafter. Chase's potential is not to be underestimated; me doubly so and no less. His consistency in year leaves much to be desired however. Again, having Big Ben did every WR little to no favors but Chase did not exactly help himself in this regard either. Chase's lack of consistency to stack opposing WR's outside the numbers is one of many reasons as to why the team could not test the deep end like it wanted to; Big Ben though being the biggest one.



Overall, yes, 40 times can be overrated and overvalued more often than they should. However, whenever game speed and timed speed do add up... that usually is a tell tale aspect of a player being consistent; Skyy Moore being the best example here. His play speed matches his time speed (though I thought he was going to be in the 4.2s to be honest with you). Add his ability to frequently and consistency stack WR's outside the numbers and there is even more reason as to why Skyy Moore should be the deep threat of the team; overall abilities as a Deep Threat that the likes of Claypool simply lacks.

 

Fixed it. He is our #1. He gets the extension

 

It doesn't take long after the waiver wire for a Sign Him Sign Everybody

 

He takes too many plays off for my liking.

 

It depends on what a team's needs are.

He's a guy that can give you 1000+ yards on 80-90 receptions. He can get separation from defenders and runs great routes. Also you don't need to worry about on/off field stuff.

I don't know where he would fight on our team though.

- let JuJu walk?
- move Claypool inside?
- DJ and Cooper outside?

 

I agree, but one... I think there will be many more cheaper options, and two...I think...IMO...it's a lower priority.

 

100%

It's probably one of the lowest priorities we have. I'd rather spend that money on a quality CB or Lineman.

 

$10 says Cleveland will make a play for him at the very least. They are starved and devoid of a true number one and, at worst, Cooper can provide that for them. However, if Cleveland is smart, they will turn their attention to the draft and nab Chris Olave instead.

 

Would seem like a Cleveland thing 2 do. I agree.

 

They badly need one. Donovan Peoples Jones and Rashard Higgins do not count; doubly so in Higgins' case. Having that number one does wonders for not just the QB but the entire Offense; not that Baker Mayfield will become an NFL MVP with Amari but will be better off with him than without.



Cleveland should opt for Chris Olave but instead will likely pursue Cooper instead. If not him, Davante Adams though good luck with that as he will command top dollar... as he should. Never mind top dollar... does Adams really want to play with Mayfield??? Highly doubt it.

 

He'd be the first true #1 wr the steelers have had since 2019

 

And using the middle of the field, which is where I believe Claypool had his best games early in 2019

 

My Friend. Claypool didn't play until 2020.
Unless You meant college.

 

Guys like Claypool and, well, heck, every Pittsburgh WR benefitted a lot from Big Ben.
Claypool almost got 1000 yards with Ben's passing very much in decline.
To go forward:
- All of them should be familiar with Mason Rudolph, they have had reps. (should Mason be the guy on 2022)
- A new QB or even Mason will probably rely on the TE's in the early going. (QB's best friend)
- I think a guy like Amari would have easily come to Pittsburgh here with Ben in his prime. I'm not so sure with Mason.
- For whomever the QB is in 2022, they have to put the ball out there and allow those WR's to come up with the catches. You can't just hold the ball and wait for 'wide open' guys.

Plenty of TE's and CB's in 2022 Free Agency.. maybe add the CB and look at the draft for WR?

 

You are correct, I meant his rookie year, I forgot this is 2022

 

You win $10, Cooper was just traded to the Brown's for a 5th round pick and the teams swapped 6th round picks.

 

And word is Cle is looking at Watson

HACK

 

dang

 

Proving Cleveland is not smart, and can't get out of their own way. Hey let's pay top dollar for a Wrs, and trade picks for Him....when ....We aren't really sold on our Qb....instead of just using one pick in the draft on all the Wrs talent coming out, and paying Him peanuts.
IMO. Wr is far down the list of their needs.

 

And Baker be like…

 

This is what I thought. There are 2 great WR's from Ohio State in the draft plus the one from USC and the extremely talented kid from Arkansas. Maybe they still pick one to team up with Cooper.

 

FTB
DILLIGAF what the stains do? LOL.
i was just impressed by AQL calling it.

 

He be lookin like Booger from Revenge of the Nerds