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Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 1,415 yards and 16 touchdowns on 215 carries (6.6 ypc) as a junior, adding 55 receptions, 453 yards and a touchdown through the air for LSU. With strong backs around him, Edwards-Helaire didn’t get his shot to be the man until last year, his junior season, but he did lead the team in all-purpose yards his sophomore season.
Scouting Report
Clyde Edwards-Helaire didn’t help his draft stock with a 4.6 40 at the combine, but his ability on the field outshines his speed, as he’s an elusive runner and adept pass catcher while only fumbling twice in his career. He also doesn’t have a lot of mileage on his body, which is always a good quality for a running back that also has strong tape.
As a receiver, he should excel in the NFL and will likely be chosen by a team with a pass-heavy scheme. Some analysts even have him possibly going in the first round. A team like Tampa Bay or Kansas City could use him, but how early he goes in the draft is up for debate.
Edwards-Helaire has elite decision-making ability behind the line of scrimmage, and his game is predicated off of savvy cuts, manipulation of timing/pacing, and sneaky quicks. Edwards-Helaire is also a quality route-runner with great instincts and feel, as well as trustworthy hands, and is a strong candidate for three-down usage. — Benjamin Solak, The Draft Network
Compact, sudden back who runs low to the ground with power and balance to break tackles and the agility to bob, weave and shake them in tight quarters. Edwards-Helaire runs with instinctive eyes and quick-cut foot speed. He doesn’t really have tells or tendencies and can alter the rush track when needed — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Mock Draft Results
Mel Kiper, ESPN: 2nd round
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Chiefs
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: Buccaneers, 2nd round
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: 2nd round
Fantasy impact: Rookie year
Edwards-Helaire’s landing spot is still very much up in the air and until we know what team drafts him, his rookie fantasy value is also up in the air. He has the versatility to contribute his rookie year and even lead a backfield committee if needed, but he’ll likely either be drafted as a backup or as a committee member to start.
Fantasy impact: Career
In our more pass oriented league, Edwards-Helaire has the skills to be a strong fantasy contributor in PPR leagues for years to come. We can’t rely on him being a goal line back who racks up big touchdown numbers, but as a receiving back who can also be a productive runner, he has a lot of upside and, depending on where he lands, could be a first-round rookie pick in dynasty leagues.