Receiver Chase Claypool will soon make his Dolphins debut. And while he’s still listed as a receiver, the team isn’t ruling out using him as a tight end at least some of the time.
Responding to a question Wednesday about speculation that Claypool might get some work at tight end, coach Mike McDaniel said, “Yes, he’s a wide receiver. I mean, Mike White could work as a punt returner today – you never know. OK, what you mean is that he’s an above-average size player at his position, and if he’s able to do certain things, I’m not going to limit a player to what he can or can’t do. Every game we have guys who take on multiple roles and fit into the offense based on their abilities. So he’ll be cool to watch and I can see he’s definitely paying attention. He pays attention to everything I can tell you.”
So the short answer is, “He’s a receiver.” The longer answer suggests that there might be “certain things” he can do and that he might be one of those guys who plays “multiple roles.”
Receiver Jaylen Waddle marveled at Claypool’s size.
“I told him he looked like a damn machine moving out there,” Waddle told reporters. “He has a big frame, that’s something that stands out. Because of his size, he picks them up and puts them down, so I’m happy to see him play. I’m looking forward to seeing him work, collaborating with him and all those things. We are thrilled with him.”
The key is that Claypool brings flexibility to the offense. He can move. And the offense can go into overdrive when someone like that is on the court, employing a no-huddle attack and the Miami offense as a cross between the Showtime Lakers and the greatest show on the field, the 1999-2001 Rams , further consolidate.