Chiefs take Edwards-Helaire

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire is "progressing very well given what they have been able to do up to this point," according to ESPN's Louis Riddick. Riddick isn't a usual Shark Bite source, but he's definitely well-connected as a former director of pro personnel for both Washington and Philadelphia. And we'll need to lean on more reports like this in this unusual offseason. Edwards-Helaire has a golden opportunity in front of him after Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 season. If the rookie can prove reliable over the next month, he should open the season as Kansas City's lead back. Edwards-Helaire is worth considering in the back half of the 1st round of fantasy drafts.

Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy called rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire a "piece of the puzzle” when discussing his 2020 backfield. Bieniemy also mentioned Damien Williams, Darwin Thompson and DeAndre Washington as pieces. He went on to call Edwards-Helaire a “special kid … running the ball, having the ability to get outside in the open field, make some plays as a receiver. You can create matchups with him. He’s one of those ideal kids that fit in what we do.” We know the Chiefs are high on CEH after they spent the 32nd overall pick on him last month. And we’re expecting him to lead the backfield in touches and fantasy points this season. The question is just how much of the work he’ll garner. Fantasy drafters are assuming it’ll be a whole bunch. Edwards-Helaire’s ADP is currently sitting in the early 3rd round.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reportedly told GM Brett Veach that he thinks 1st-round rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire is better than Brian Westbrook. Westbrook, of course, spent 8 seasons playing for Reid in Philadelphia, topping 1,200 total yards 5 times. The 2 backs are definitely similar from a size and athleticism standpoint. Westbrook checked into the Combine at 5'9 and 200 pounds, ran a 4.57-second 40 and posted a 37-inch vertical. Edwards-Helaire: 5'7, 207 pounds with a 4.60-second 40 and 39.5-inch vertical. If CEH truly is better than Westbrook, he's in for big fantasy production. Westbrook turned in 4 career top-10 finishes and 2 more inside the top 20.