Canadian Chase Claypool bulking up for possible position change

Photo courtesy: Fighting Irish Media

One of the top Canadians in the NCAA could be considering a position change.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish receiver Chase Claypool has put on nearly 10 pounds since he was last officially weighed at the Senior Bowl in January according to ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Jim Nagy. Why? Well, there’s been a lot of discussion about Claypool possibly moving down the line a little bit and convert to a tight end.

3DownNation’s J.C. Abbott believes that a move to tight end could open up more opportunities for Claypool as there’s plenty of depth at the receiver position but no true consensus number one tight end. That means a move could see Claypool’s stock rise in the draft.

As NFL offences have evolved the last few years, the tight end position has become more important than ever. Not only in pass protection but as pass catchers as well.

Claypool capped his NCAA career with an MVP performance in the Camping World Bowl. He made seven receptions for 146 yards and one touchdown in the University of Notre Dame’s 33-9 victory against Iowa State University. The six-foot-four, 229-pound Claypool was a mismatch versus the Cyclones’ small secondary.

The Abbotsford, B.C. native was named the Irish’s Most Valuable Player for the 2019 season, making 66 catches for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. He totaled 150 grabs for 2,159 yards and 19 touchdowns over four seasons with Notre Dame.

The NFL draft is set for April 23-25 in Paradise, Nevada and Claypool is projected to be a Day 1 or Day 2 selection. Through the NFL Combine — February 23-March 2 in Indianapolis.