2nd round (No. 60) – RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
So many mock drafts have Baltimore grabbing a running back in the first round, which is kinda nuts. But there is more than a passing need at the position, even with Gus Edwards returning as an ERFA and Ingram still in the starting role. Finding an eventual replacement for the early-down work those two do might not pay off a ton in 2020 but is a smart investment for the future.
When looking at Edwards-Helaire, it’s easy to see how he fits into the Ravens’ scheme and their mentality. Edwards-Helaire is a powerful running back standing at just 5-foot-7 and 207 pounds. He’s the type of running back that will make just about every defender pay by lowering his shoulder and driving his feet through contact. But boy would you be mistaken for thinking he was just a bruiser.
His 4.6-second 40-yard dash time proves he’s got a little speed in him as well and he’ll make defenses pay for giving him an open lane. Even if a linebacker has him one-on-one, Edwards-Helaire has surprising quickness and agility to make guys tackle air while he picks up extra yards on a fast cut. He’s a plus in the passing game, though like almost all running backs coming into the league, he needs to improve his pass protection if he wants to be a true three-down running back.
It’s worth noting some pundits compare Edwards-Helaire to Ray Rice and the Ravens clearly know how to utilize a running back like that. However, the plus in favor of Edwards-Helaire is that he’ll come into the NFL with about 500 fewer touches on him, which should increase his durability quite a bit more down the stretch.