Stat Proves Exactly Why Chiefs Favored Clyde Edwards-Helaire Over Other Top Available RBs in NFL Draft
By Michael Luciano
It took 32 picks, but the Kansas City Chiefs became the first team in the NFL to select a running back in the 2020 draft when they used the final slot in the first round on LSU back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Some in Missouri were a bit shocked that Edwards-Helaire was the pick over big names like Georgia's D'Andre Swift, Ohio State's JK Dobbins, and Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor. However, the former LSU star's ability to break tackles might be the main factor that helped Brett Veach decide he was going to be the next Chiefs star.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire had an adjusted broken tackle rate of 86% in 2019 (@CFBFilmRoom).
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) April 20, 2020
How good was that?
NFL Draft RB's like Cam Akers, D'Andre Swift and J.K. Dobbins all sit at or below 33%.
More on how dominant #LSU's RB was in the run to 15-0.https://t.co/ZdjHP2Tp8e pic.twitter.com/uNRYep8Ytd
On most of his touches as a receiver or a runner, Edwards-Helaire is making someone miss.
While the short, stocky running back drew comparisons to Brian Westbrook, another player who became a star in an Andy Reid offense, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared him to former Chiefs star Priest Holmes, who set a record by running for 27 touchdowns in 2003. If Edwards-Helaire is half as good as Holmes was, the Chiefs will have picked up a major steal.
My comp for Clyde Edwards-Helaire is Priest Holmes.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 24, 2020
Edwards-Helaire is the perfect player for a pass-happy offense like Kansas City's, as he can catch the ball out of the backfield and make magic happen as a runner.