Raiders: 3 NFL Combine winners to target in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Justin Fried
3. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
There were few players who arrived at Indianapolis this week with more to prove than Chase Claypool.
The Notre Dame wide receiver was a productive player during his senior season in college hauling in 66 catches for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. But despite his success, there were plenty of concerns about his athleticism.
In fact, teams were even requesting that the big-bodied, 6-foot-4, 238-pound receiver work out as a tight end as well.
Regardless, Claypool did his best to quell any and all concerns about his athletic traits.
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Most scouts anticipated that Claypool would run somewhere around a 4.60 in the 40-yard dash. Instead, the Canada native stunned those in attendance running a blazing 4.42.
He was only the second wide receiver in history to run a sub-4.45 40-yard dash and weigh in at over 230 pounds at the Combine — the other being notorious freak athlete and NFL legend Calvin Johnson.
Claypool went from a mid-Day 3 pick to a bonafide Day 2 talent through his incredible showing at the Combine. And with the Raiders needing receiver help, he could be an ideal target if still on the board in the third round.
Imagine an offense with matchup nightmares like Claypool and Darren Waller playing alongside the likes of Josh Jacobs, Tyrell Williams, and Hunter Renfrow. Throw in another rookie receiver or a solid free agent and you have a very talented skill position group for Jon Gruden to play with.
With three selections in the third-round, Claypool must be considered a top target at that stage of the draft.