As if the Kansas City Chiefs needed more offense. That's exactly what they're getting in explosive LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the final pick of the first round in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Though most of the praise for LSU’s undefeated 2019 was reserved for the power trio of Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, Clyde Edwards-Helaire was just as prolific, if not more so, pacing the national champs in yards from scrimmage (1,867) while stampeding to 1,414 rushing yards, the most by a Tiger since Leonard Fournette in 2015. A pinball wizard who slips out of tackles like he’s covered in butter, Edwards-Helaire accomplished the rare feat of earning all-conference status at two positions: running back (first team) and return specialist (second team). The Baton Rouge native did his hometown proud, pummeling Clemson for 164 yards (110 rushing, 54 receiving) in LSU’s title-game triumph.
Measurables: 5’7”/207
School: LSU
2019 Stats: 215 carries, 1,414 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 6.6 yards per carry, 55 catches, 453 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, 16 kickoff returns for 214 yards (13.4-yard average)
Accolades: First-team All-SEC at running back (2019), Second-team All-SEC return specialist (2019), NCAA National Champion (2019), Paul Hornung Award finalist (2019)
Strengths: A twitchy jitterbug who could juke his way out of a clown car, Edwards-Helaire is a nightmare to tackle and excels in tight spaces. Edwards-Helaire knows how precious the rock is—he only coughed it up twice (one lost fumble) over his LSU tenure. A clever route-runner with stellar mitts, Edwards-Helaire showed his receiving acumen by soaking up 55 grabs for 453 yards in 2019. The gifted 21-year-old is also a savvy special teamer with a nose for the end zone (23 touchdowns in three collegiate seasons).
Weaknesses: Edwards-Helaire is no burner—he submitted a pedestrian 4.60 at the Combine—and won’t win many foot races at the next level. Though powerfully built at 207 pounds, the former four-star recruit is a so-so short-yardage finisher with limited blocking prowess. The hope is Edwards-Helaire’s impressive versatility can offset some of his weaker traits.
Player Comparison: Duke Johnson
Edwards-Helaire lacks breakaway speed but catches everything thrown his way, a skill set reminiscent of Texans playmaker Duke Johnson, who also boasts an extensive special teams background.
What Experts Are Saying
“As a pro, he should be a real weapon for the passing game on wheel routes, screens, and check-downs.” – Charlie Campbell, Walter Football
“I know he’s going to be able to catch the ball at volume from Day 1 and I know NFL defenders are going to have a heck of a time trying to get their hands on him.” – Thor Nystrom, Rotoworld
“He could become a difference-maker as a three-down starter quickly in his NFL career.” –Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
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