23 Days of Draftmas: Clyde Edwards-Helaire

A very merry Draftmas to you! We continue our tradition of profiling an NFL Draft prospect every day in April, leading up to the NFL Draft on April 23rd. Every day, you’ll get a prospect profile that includes how they would fit with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, running back

Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

5’7” | 207 lbs | LSU

Baton Rouge, LA

Grade (round): Second

Expected Draft Range: Day two

One-sentence bio: Stayed home to play for LSU and made the most of his one year as a starter — garnering first-team All-SEC accolades and winning national championship.

One-sentence scouting report: Compactly built running back with a complete, versatile skill set as a runner, pass protector and receiver who has the makings of a three-down running back.

One play:

How he fits in Kansas City: If the Chiefs are going to take a running back in the first round, make it Clyde Edwards-Helaire. This not an endorsement of the Chiefs selecting him in the first round — but if they elect to take one, Edwards-Helaire fits perfectly. In fact, I compared him to a former Andy Reid bell cow in Brian Westbrook.

Edwards-Helaire would never have to leave the field in Reid’s offense. He can do it all. He’s tough between the tackles, possesses good vision and patience in the run game. He shows great burst through the hole and good balance at the point of contact. Pair all that with special lateral agility and he’s tough to handle. The only thing he has against him as a runner is a lack of long speed.

In the passing game, Edwards-Helaire is advanced and the best route runner among this year’s running backs. He was asked to run a variety of routes others in his class simply weren’t. There’s a play against Alabama where he caught a corner route in the red zone. Edwards-Helaire is a natural hands catcher that is comfortable bringing in throws away from his frame. He is great in and out of his breaks and is comfortable catching in traffic. He will quickly acclimate to assignment in pass protection — showing good ability in that regard.

He’s a complete back — and his value in the passing game would certainly soften the blow of the Chiefs taking him where you would like to acquire his services — at least the top 50.

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