Chase Claypool has heard the criticism.
And while he claims to not be bothered by it, there’s certainly a sense that public perception might’ve gotten under his skin during a 2021 season that, while productive, also could be characterized as disappointing.
“I wasn’t happy with last year, but I didn’t take a big step back at all,” Claypool sad Thursday following the third day of Steelers OTAs. “People are going to freak out and say I did. But I didn’t.
“I never care about what people say about me, unless they’re family or friends or something. I know it’s people’s jobs to paint a picture. I’m just here to do my thing and have fun doing it.”
Claypool’s numbers from his dynamic rookie season are strikingly similar, in many ways, to what he put up a year ago.
In 2021, he caught three less passes for 13 less yards than 2020. But the big difference? Scoring. Claypool scored eleven total touchdowns as a rookie, but just two last year.
He also had his share of gaffs, including a debacle in Minnesota when — with under a minute to go and the Steelers driving to tie the game — he signaled for a first down, wasting valuable seconds off of the clock.
Claypool was heavily criticized for what appeared to be a selfish act during a game in which he had earlier been benched by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
“Ups and downs,” Claypool said of his season. “I know a lot of people are going to say I was terrible. There were some good things and some bad things. We learn from the bad things and make the good things better.”
In order to get better, Claypool will have to handle a lot of change around him. Gone are JuJu Smith-Schuster — who he had a strong relationship with — as well as Ben Roethlisberger and James Washington.
He has three new quarterbacks on the roster to work with, Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett and Chris Oladokun. He has two rookie receiver teammates in George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, plus free agent signee Miles Boykin, among others.
“It’s the first time on the Steelers where I feel like my voice is being actively heard,” said Claypool, who also practiced this week without last year’s top receiver Diontae Johnson, who did not attend OTAs as he searches for a new contract. “I’m taking that seriously. I’m trying to help the young guys, because I was there.”
Claypool is not only having to get used to a new quarterback, an expanded playbook under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, and new position mates, but is also playing for a new wide receivers coach in Frisman Jackson, who took over this offseason when Ike Hilliard’s contract was not renewed.
“Uh, I like it a lot,” Claypool said. “Obviously, I love Ike. He just called me the other day. Ike’s one of the best dudes I’ve met. But, you know, it’s good, it’s cool. You get new coaching points and stuff, so you learn more.”
The 6-foot-4, 238-pounder out of Notre Dame feels that chemistry is forming within the new cast of characters. He also is happy with an offseason in which he made improvements to his game.
“A lot of the 50-50 balls, I wouldn’t stay on my feet,” he said of his deficiencies in his sophomore year. “I have to stay on my feet. I’ve got to get a little more (yards after catches). And I can’t be dropping no passes.
“I hope to be more versatile in terms of what position I play, inside or outside. I’m trying to work on all of the positions.”
Claypool’s physical tools are all there. He came to OTAs in excellent shape. And the Steelers clearly are pushing him to take a step in his third season.
But the doubts will remain over the seriousness in which he approaches football until he proves otherwise.
“People spin it like I don’t care,” Claypool said. “But I do care. I do work my ass off. Every day. And I’ll keep doing that until I’m the best receiver in the league.”