maxhatter
Well-known member
- Joined:
- Feb 14, 2020
- Posts:
- 580
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The trade happened, and people can bitch all they want about it, but it doesn't change the fact that Claypool is on the team. I've said this before in other posts; I was never a fan of Claypool and I wish Poles would have targeted a different receiver. But I can't argue with his approach. He needed to get Fields another receiver and the draft class didn't look that strong, especially in the second round. Looking through a variety of draft prospect rankings, Jalin Hyatt, Josh Downs, and Tank Dell are the most prominent names in the second round. I think Claypool is a better receiver than any one of those guys and his measurables better complement Mooney and Moore. I think it's easy to evaluate things in hindsight, unfortunately, GMs have to make decisions in real-time. At the time, the trade was largely applauded but opinions changed when Claypool didn't have immediate success. I think it's fair to use this season to evaluate Claypool, and if he doesn't work out, it should be viewed as a waste of a high second-round draft pick. But to make that judgment now is premature. If he gives you what he averaged in Pittsburgh (60 catches, 860 yards, and 6 TDs) the trade should be viewed positively because I think that's what Poles wanted to get out of this trade. If your expectations are 128 receptions for 1,809 yards, prepare to be disappointed.
