The Kansas City Chiefs made it a point to add more firepower to an already elite offense. Using the 2020 NFL Draft, the reigning Super Bowl champions selected former LSU standout Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Patrick Mahomes already likes what he sees in the rookie running back.
With the decision by Damien Williams to opt-out for the upcoming season, the decision to draft a running back is already paying major dividends for the Chiefs. He’s already projected to be the No. 1 option in Kansas City’s backfield.
When talking with reporters about Edwards-Helaire, Patrick Mahomes highlighted the vision the rookie running back has. It enables an impressive ability to identify developing holes as a ball carrier and locate the ball in the receiving game.
During his final season at LSU, Edwards-Helaire played a pivotal role in what ended up being a truly historic offense. He finished with 215 carries for 1,414 rushing yards and 16 touchdown runs. He also added 55 catches, 453 receiving yards, and a touchdown catch.
The main criticism NFL experts seemed to have for Edwards-Helaire during the draft process was mostly his size and lack of high-level breakaway speed. Standing at 5-7, he possesses a strong understanding of the game and has clear favorable instincts.
Opposing teams already have to account for game-changing receiving options like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill when matching up with the Chiefs. Let’s not forget, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman aren’t easy to handle either. Factoring in Patrick Mahomes tossing around those passes, and it’s all the more troubling for defenses.
Now, the Chiefs will have a dual-threat back that can take thrive on carries while capitalizing on all the attention the other receiving threats command in the passing game. Expect big things from Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Kansas City during the 2020 NFL season.
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