Chris Perkins: The Dolphins are better than last year, but we don’t yet know how much better
While Claypool isn’t one of the fastest NFL players in 2023, his size and athleticism have always made him a projectable offensive threat. He showed potential as a rookie (873 receiving yards), but the subsequent three seasons have wrecked a once-promising career.
Chasole Claypo’s career stats include 171 receptions, 2,235 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns, and 45.6 receiving yards per game in 49 games.
Miami got a good deal on Claypool in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick from Chicago. While the coaching staff saw it as a low-risk, moderate-reward strategy, some believed that it could lead to a position switch.
Claypool, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, could transition to tight end after being dealt to Miami. When asked about it this week, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated unequivocally that Claypool is a wide receiver.
Even at 6-foot-4 and weighing nearly 240 pounds, it was never realistic to think Claypool would become a tight end in Miami. Last season, tight end Mike Gesicki became an afterthought in McDaniels’ offense because he couldn’t hold up as a blocker.
Pro Football Focus rated Claypool as the 26th-worst run blocker in 2022 with the Bears and Steelers, and he also struggled taking on defenders to create space for teammates on screens and underneath throws.
While playing tight end is doubtful in Miami, Claypool has made an immediate impression on his teammates. Claypool’s stature and quickness impressed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who spoke to reporters this week.
The Dolphins’ opportunity might be one of the last in Claypool’s NFL career. After combining for 11 touchdowns with over 1,600 receiving yards in his first two NFL seasons, the former 49th overall pick has now fallen out of favor with two different organizations.
If Claypool can’t make it work in the Dolphins’ offense, surrounded by playmakers with arguably the best play-caller in the NFL, it will be a warning sign to teams. Given Claypool’s already poor reputation with two different coaching staffs, a third strike could derail his NFL career.
