LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
If there is one prospect that isn’t being talked enough among first-round running backs, it’s LSU’s wrecking ball Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He burst onto the scene during LSU’s national championship season and has been drawing rave reviews ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.
First off, let’s talk about his ability as a receiver. He consistently creates separation against linebackers in coverage and does so at a level that no other running back in this class does. In 2019, he had 55 receptions for 453 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.65 yards after the catch. Those receptions helped him become the only running back in SEC history to rush for over 1,000 yards and catch 55 passes in a single season.
As a runner, Edwards-Helaire is tough as nails, averaging 6.6 yards per carry in 2019. His spin move is ruthless and polished. His footwork and movements are deliberate and nuanced. His vision, anticipation and burst make up for his lack of size and long speed.
One area that he needs improvement, like most college players coming to the NFL, is pass protection. He didn’t do it very often in college because so much of the LSU offense was 5-man protection calls. He seems to have the mental makeup to be able to excel at pass protection at the next level, he just needs the repetitions to work on it.