NFL Power Rankings 2020: Ranking every starting running back
By Samuel Teets
27. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs selected Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The 21-year-old walked into a terrific situation. A few months after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship with the LSU Tigers, Edwards-Helaire joined the reigning Super Bowl champions.
While Edwards-Helaire did see some playing time behind Nick Brossette in 2018, the 5-7 running back saw the first full-time starting action of his college career last season. In 15 games, Edwards-Helaire ran for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. He also flashed versatility, recording 55 receptions for 453 yards and another touchdown.
Edwards-Helaire should fit perfectly in Kansas City’s offense. Besides serving as a lethal receiving option out of the backfield, the LSU product is quick and can make defenders miss in a phone booth. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy told reporters, per the team’s official website:
"I think the kid [Edwards-Helaire] is just a special kid. You’ve seen some of the things he’s done on tape as far as running the ball, having the ability to get outside in the open field and make some plays as a receiver. You can create matchups with him. He’s one of those ideal kids that fits in with what we do."
As a rookie, Edwards-Helaire might split starting time with Damien Williams at the start of the season. Williams split starting snaps with LeSean McCoy last year and led the Chiefs with 498 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. However, Williams is in the final year of his contract, and teams don’t spend first-round picks on backup running backs. Edwards-Helaire should at least take over the starting job by the middle of the 2020 season.