The Kansas City Chiefs put on pads for the first time in practice on Friday, and as expected, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was taking first team reps, per beat writer Adam Teicher. The Chiefs first padded practice centered on the run, which meant the media saw a lot of Edwards-Helaire.
Running back Damien Williams opted out of the season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The team spent a first round pick on Edwards-Helaire in April, before Williams made his opt-out decision. While the rookie was expected to have a significant role in the offense regardless, Williams’ opt-out boosts him considerably.
Edwards-Helaire has climbed considerably in average draft position this offseason. He’s currently around pick No. 16 and the 10th running back off the board. His backups include DeAndre Washington, Darwin Thompson, Elijah McGuire, and Darrel Williams.
Washington holds some late stash value, but Edwards-Helaire is where all the upside is. Andy Reid can mix and match running backs with the best of them, but you can draft Clyde Edwards-Helaire with confidence he will be a solid RB1 for you.