KC Chiefs: What Clyde Edwards-Helaire can provide in 2020
The KC Chiefs selected LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the final pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. What can the newest Chiefs running back provide during his rookie season?
While drafting a running back in the first round might be controversial, the Kansas City Chiefs needed to address the position this offseason. They did just that with the drafting of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who they hope can become their next star at the running back spot.
The Chiefs might be a pass first offense, but when they have a good running game going for them, it makes their offense even more difficult to slow down. That’s why Edwards-Helaire joining this offense was a good move by them. He provides them with that tackle evading running back and that’s something their offense has been missing since the release of Kareem Hunt.
Damien Williams is more than likely going to be the RB1 when the 2020 season kicks off, but Edwards-Helaire provides a solid RB2. It’s not crazy to think that if he plays well the first month of the season that eventually he finds his way into the starting role, rather than the backup job.
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With Williams’ inconsistencies and injury issues, it only made sense for the Chiefs to find a suitable option to become the next RB1. Williams played well in Super Bowl LIV, but throughout the course of the regular season, the running back position was one that was never a mainstay. Edwards-Helaire provides that.
He might not be a huge sensation as a rookie, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire will see plenty of touches and will be someone fun to watch. He’s a guy who, once he has the ball, can manage to evade tacklers and rumble all the way down the field and into the end zone. The Chiefs need that player for their run game.
While throwing the ball is always going to be the Chiefs’ M.O. as long as Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback, being able to run the ball effectively only makes them more lethal on offense. Teams won’t necessarily be able to hone in on stopping the pass if they also have to worry about slowing down Edwards-Helaire.
To sum up, Clyde Edwards-Helaire might not go into the season as the starting running back, but he’s going to be a solid weapon with the opportunity to steal away the starting job and be the next great running back in Kansas City.
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What do you think Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s role will be as a rookie?