Clyde Edwards-Helaire: A Comprehensive Analysis of His NFL Prospects

Early Life and College Career

Born in 1998, Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a running back who played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU). He had an impressive collegiate career, rushing for over 1,400 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns in his final season. Edwards-Helaire also showcased his versatility as a receiver, catching 55 passes for 453 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2019, Edwards-Helaire was named a consensus All-American and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back. He played a key role in LSU's undefeated season and National Championship victory.

NFL Draft and Kansas City Chiefs

Edwards-Helaire was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Chiefs were impressed by his all-around skills and viewed him as a potential successor to veteran running back Damien Williams.

In his rookie season, Edwards-Helaire rushed for 803 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 36 passes for 297 yards and one touchdown. He played a key role in the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory, rushing for 64 yards and a touchdown in the game.

Strengths and Weaknesses

### Strengths:

Edwards-Helaire is a versatile running back who can excel in both the running and passing game. He has excellent vision, balance, and agility, which allow him to make quick cuts and change direction easily.

Edwards-Helaire is also a good receiver out of the backfield. He has soft hands and the ability to make tough catches in traffic. This versatility makes him a valuable asset to any offense.

### Weaknesses:

Edwards-Helaire is not the biggest running back, which can be a disadvantage in certain situations. He also lacks elite speed, which can limit his ability to break away for long runs.

In addition, Edwards-Helaire has struggled with ball security issues at times in his career. He has fumbled the ball multiple times, which has cost the Chiefs valuable possessions.

Injury Concerns

Edwards-Helaire has dealt with several injuries during his NFL career. In 2021, he suffered a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss multiple games. He also missed the Chiefs' playoff opener in 2022 due to a sprained MCL.

While Edwards-Helaire has shown toughness and determination in overcoming these injuries, his injury history is something to monitor going forward. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a top-tier running back in the NFL.

Conclusion

Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a talented running back with the potential to be a star in the NFL. He has a unique combination of speed, agility, and receiving skills that make him a versatile and dangerous weapon on offense. However, he must improve his ball security and overcome his injury concerns to reach his full potential.

If Edwards-Helaire can stay healthy and continue to develop, he could be a key contributor to the Chiefs' success for years to come.