The Chiefs added to an already formidable offense built around Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
The Chiefs drafted LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd overall pick Thursday night.
The 5-foot-7, 207-pound Edwards-Helaire enjoyed a productive and dynamic career in the most competitive football conference in college sports _ the Southeastern Conference.
In 2019 and as a junior, Edwards-Helaire rushed for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging a 6.6 yards on 215 carries. The powerfully built rusher is a capable receiver, too, a must in Andy Reid's offense.
He totaled 453 yards and a touchdown on 55 catches last year while helping LSU win a national championship with an unblemished record.
Edwards-Helaire finished his college career with 2,698 yards from scrimmage (2,103 rushing) and 24 touchdowns in three seasons. He also showed he could contribute on special teams, amassing 877 yards on 40 kickoff returns.
Given his skill-set, there's little doubt the Chiefs will find a way to utilize Edwards-Helaire in what currently projects to be a crowded backfield this fall.
The Chiefs exercised a club option on incumbent starter Damien Williams to keep him in Kansas City for the 2020 season. The Chiefs also have Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson, Elijah McGuire, Marcus Marshall, Mike Weber and DeAndre Washington, who signed a one-year deal during free agency, at running back.
But the selection of Edwards-Helarie provides a view to the future, as both Williamses and Washington will be playing in contract years in 2020.
