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The Kansas City Chiefs added a new weapon to their high-powered offense in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has the ability to do some serious damage in the Chiefs’ offense, not only as a rusher, but also as a key contributor in the passing game. For general manager Brett Veach, the Kansas City offense and the skillset of Edwards-Helaire could make for the type of feature running back the team hasn’t seen since Kareem Hunt or Jamaal Charles.
“I think because of the type of offense that we are, I do,” Veach said of Edwards-Helaire’s ability to be a feature running back. “I think if we were a more traditional two tight end set, power run game, certainly there would be some questions. But I think the way we can spread teams out and make them play east and west, and the threat of our vertical passing game, and again, this kid’s low center of gravity, his ability to make people miss. I think just the way our offense is constructed I think this guy will thrive in it and I think he’ll be able to handle the workload.”
Edwards-Helaire had some thought of his own why he was the perfect fit with the Chiefs’ offense.
“Just how versatile the offense is,” Edwards-Helaire said of his fit. “They were big on being able to get the running back out in space, and I feel like that was where I absolutely thrived. The Chiefs, they made a great call, the offense, the whole game plan, everything is a perfect fit for me. Ultimately, I feel like it’s a perfect fit, and it’s a great fit as far as me being a person and the team. I absolutely know I’ll be able to text Tyrann (Mathieu) and get in touch with Mecole (Hardman) and everybody. So far it’s already been on the plus side.”
Specifically, Edwards-Helaire pointed to how the Chiefs use running backs in space in the passing game. He believes that is the best part of his game and where he can do the most damage in Kansas City.
“Watching the Kansas City offense last year, they were big on getting the back out in space,” said Edwards-Helaire. “Any checkdown, any way the back can get out and run a route, that’s where I absolutely did most of my damage as far as being in the passing game. That’s what Kansas City is big on, and that’s what the foundation is built on, being able to get the ball in space and spread the ball out. That makes defenses stress. Being able to be a running back and catch the ball out of the backfield and run routes I feel like everything is a perfect mesh and a perfect fit.”
One thing is for certain, the Chiefs will do their absolute best to maximize the versatility of their first-round draft pick, getting him involved early in hopes of defending their Super Bowl title during the 2020 NFL season.
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