Chiefs Select Clyde Edwards-Helaire With No. 32 Pick in NFL Draft

The Chiefs added to their high-powered offense Thursday, drafting LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The Chiefs selected RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Edwards-Helaire grew up in Louisiana and played football for the Bears at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, LA. During his senior year, Edwards-Helaire posted 496 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Capping his career in style, Edwards-Helaire had 161 receiving yards, plus 88 rushing yards and one TD, and was the MVP of the Class 5A State Championship Game.

Remaining in his home state, Edwards-Helaire (5-foot-7, 207 pounds) joined former high school teammate RB Derrius Guice at LSU. Lightly used in his freshman season, Edwards-Helaire played special teams and posted just 77 total yards on offence. Although he was a full-time starter for just one season, Edwards-Helaire made the most of his time at LSU. He runs with a low center of gravity and is elite at keeping his balance and redirecting where he wants to go.

Defenders lose him behind larger offensive linemen, which is a recipe for disaster when considering how shifty he is. Edwards-Helaire doesn’t have great top-end speed, yet he still manages to be elusive. He has an uncanny ability to activate his burst out of nowhere and possesses very quick feet. He can cut on a dime and leave defenders grabbing air. He posted a 4.60 time in the 40-yard dash plus a 39.5-inch vertical jump at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine.

Here’s why SI’s Kevin Hanson ranked Edwards-Helaire as the No. 44 overall player on his big board:

Quicker than fast, Edwards-Helaire has a powerful compact frame and the lateral agility to make would-be tacklers miss in tight quarters. Especially excelling as a receiver, Edwards-Helaire runs crisp routes and has natural hands. Experienced and productive as a kick returner, CEH has the ability to contribute on all four downs.

2019 stats (Junior; LSU): 1,414 rush yards, 16 TD, 453 receiving yards, 1 TD, (15 games)

2018 stats (Sophomore; LSU): 658 rush yards, 7 TD, 96 receiving yards (13 games)

2017 stats (Freshman; LSU): 31 rush yards, 46 receiving yards (10 games)

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