With the 32nd pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. There wasn’t a much better landing spot for a rookie running back in the NFL, as the Chiefs are one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL with plenty of opportunities to produce. Fantasy Football players were immediately all over him.
He was a first-round pick in many Fantasy Football drafts last year and was selected as an RB1 for managers. Edwards-Helaire didn’t have a bad season by any means, but he fell short of those expectations.
The LSU product ran the ball 181 times, rushing for 803 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 36 passes on 54 targets for 297 yards and another score. That put him squarely in the RB2 production, solid but not spectacular given his ADP.
There were a few factors that went into that, such as Edwards-Helaire playing in only 13 games. The Chiefs’ offensive line was also a mess, leading to some issues offensively. He also faced competition from Le’Veon Bell for touches.
As we head into the 2021 season, those issues no longer persist. Edwards-Helaire is in a position to truly break out in his sophomore season.
What To Expect From Clyde Edwards-Helaire In 2021
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most fantasy-friendly offenses in the NFL. Andy Reid-led teams have historically had strong running back production and that will occur once again with Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2021.
The front office revamped the offensive line, fixing what was the team’s biggest issue last season. Being better in the trenches will help keep the offense at elite status. Edwards-Helaire is also getting a full NFL offseason this time around, something that should not be ignored from an unusual COVID-19 adjusted rookie offseason.
Le’Veon Bell is also no longer on the roster, as the undrafted Darrel Williams behind him on the depth chart. Williams has never had more than 41 carries in his three seasons with the Chiefs, so Edwards-Helaire is in line for a much bigger workload.
With Patrick Mahomes also returning healthy, expect big things from the LSU dual-threat running back. He is currently being selected as about the 18th running back off the board and he will surpass that draft slot.
Edwards-Helaire will finish the season with 1,100 rushing yards with seven scores on the ground. He will be a prominent part of the passing game as well, catching 60 balls for 500 yards and another three scores.
