Bears receiver Chase Claypool has faced plenty of scrutiny this offseason, stemming from his slow start after he was traded to Chicago last November. But Claypool has quietly been working to improve during a contract year.
While DJ Moore has been the talk of training camp — and rightfully so — Claypool has also been impressing on a daily basis.
According to CHGO’s Greg Braggs, who’s been at every open practice, Claypool hasn’t just been making a strong impression, he’s been “the star of camp so far.”
Claypool has been plays during all phases of practice, including 1-on-1, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods. Claypool is, according to Braggs, “making a statement.”
Camp Takeaway: 🐻 🏕
Chase Claypool is the star of camp so far. 🔟 ⭐️
Making plays in 1 on 1s, 7 on 7s, and 11 on 11s. He's battling like he has a chip on his shoulder.
And he's playing through things. Got banged up to end Fridays practice. Was right back out there…
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 1, 2023
There’s also been a “growing” connection between Fields and Claypool over the last few practices, which has been evident in how often Fields is targeting him.
“It’s good. It’s good. It’s been the last couple days, I can see it growing and growing,” coach Matt Eberflus said. “He’s starting to learn him. Because again, he wasn’t here in the spring. And we think it’s a real positive thing.”
We'll work on the celebration 😅 pic.twitter.com/bcGO7Tb0sO
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 1, 2023
It’s still early, but Claypool certainly appears to proving critics wrong with what’s been a consistently strong performance in camp.
