Chase Claypool Has A Draft Recommendation For The Bears

Chase Claypool is focused on 2023. He knows there is a lot at stake for him. It is the last year of his rookie contract. That means a strong season could guarantee him a massive payday in the 2024 off-season. The end of last year was beyond frustrating for the wide receiver. He struggled to get on track thanks to being in a new offense with the Chicago Bears and suffering injury setbacks. Many are already calling the trade to acquire him a complete bust. It's too soon for that, but there is definite pressure to perform later this year.

It would certainly help if the entire team as a whole took a step forward. Players always look better when they're on a winning team. While he doesn't proclaim to be a scout, Claypool is still a football fan. He watches college games as anyone does. He has his opinions when it comes to who the Bears should or should not draft next month. Andrew Gamble of Mirror interviewed the young receiver and asked who he'd draft if given a choice. His answer was an interesting one.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool suggested his team should select Georgia defensive star Nolan Smith if the team decides not to trade the first overall pick in next month’s 2023 NFL Draft.

When asked by Mirror Sport who he would select in a flag equivalent of the NFL draft, the 24-year-old said: “If I was picking, I’d go for Nolan Smith from Georgia. The guy is a monster."

Chase Claypool certainly has a sharp eye.

Either that, or he watched the scouting combine. Smith was an edge rusher on both Georgia national championship teams the past two years. His 2021 was excellent, with 53 tackles, 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and an interception. The thing that jumps out immediately is his athleticism. He is incredibly fast for somebody 6'3 and 238 lbs. That was proven when he ran a scorching 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Guys like this don't grow on trees.

The problem teams have is his durability. He missed the end of last season with injury problems. His thinner frame makes it difficult to know if he can handle the physical rigors of his position in the NFL. Never mind the fact he is undersized based on the Bears' prototypes. They prefer defensive ends at least 6'4 and 260 lbs with 33-inch arms. Smith fails to check any of those boxes. Chase Claypool is correct. The kid is an absolute freak. However, he might not be a fit for what this team wants to do defensively.