I love the running back class coming into the 2020 NFL Draft. Last year I felt the complete opposite. There wasn’t a running back I was in love with. This year there are a lot of running backs I’m head over heels in love with. One of those players is LSU’s bowling ball of electricity, Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The Tigers’ tailback was a huge part of LSU’s title run. Edwards-Helaire fits what the NFL is looking for and is the perfect modern running back.
It’s hard to find a perfect comp for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. 5-foot-7, 207, who is quicker than fast. Edwards-Helaire ran a 4.60 but also exploded with a 39.5 inch vertical. The straight line speed isn’t elite but he can make you miss in a phone booth. The LSU tailback has this enate ability to shuffle for extra yardage while barreling through extra first downs. When I watch Edwards-Helaire play, I see a mix between Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren Sproles.
CEH was named to the SEC All-First team in 2019 rushing for 1,415 yards and 16 touchdowns on 215 carries (6.6 per carry). Not to mention that he’s also a big time weapon in the passing game. Add in 55 receptions for another 453 yards and a score. When you start to add it all up, you begin to appreciate just how special this player is.
CEH was the best kept secret in the SEC until that Alabama game. That’s what really put him on the map. Prior to the 2019 season, he was just a rotational player. The Alabama game put him on the map.
How else do you say it? Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the perfect modern running back. There are so many traits to like. Low center of gravity who often times defenders can’t find him behind the big offensive line. A total nightmare in the passing game. Nobody can cover him and can even lineup as a wide receiver. Ball security is excellent. He doesn’t put the ball on the ground. Quick cuts with an ability to make defenders miss with agility or power. Always on balance having an ability to stop on a dime and get to where he needs to be.
I just love CEH. At the end of the day, Edwards-Helaire is a chain mover. 36 percent of his carries were for first downs or touchdowns in 2019. That is an ABSURD rate of success. Best news of all is there is barely any tread on the tires. CEH has a total of 370 carries in his college career. Unlike Jonathan Taylor, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has a lot of tread left. I can’t say enough good things about Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He’s someone you just want on your football team.
