6 NFL rookies who will contribute the most in the 2020 season

2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Considering that the Kansas City Chiefs used a first-round pick on former LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire — albeit the last pick of the opening round — he always figured to play a sizeable role in the offense. The role of running backs in the Andy Reid offense has always been large, dating back to his time with the Eagles. So using a premium pick on a player at the position said enough.

Then came Damien Williams’ decision to opt-out of the 2020 NFL season over concerns about COVID-19. While no one would call Williams the best running back in the league, he was still expected to share substantial time in the backfield with Edwards-Helaire and others. Now it seems as if the starting job is CEH’s for the taking in Kansas City.

It should certainly be noted that the Chiefs running back room still has several bodies outside of the rookie that could contribute. Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson were recent additions who figure to play a role, as does offseason acquisition DeAndre Washington, who played with Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech.

The simple truth, though, is that Edwards-Helaire is the most talented player of the bunch and the most natural fit in Reid’s system. He’s going to play a massive role in arguably the most potent offense in the league. And as the Chiefs attempt to defend their Super Bowl win, that means he’s going to play a monster role in 2020.