Clyde Edwards-Helaire: Rookie Draft 1.01
When writing my first article for YardsPerFantasy, I never imagined the NFL would think as highly of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (CEH) as I did. However, when Andy Reid got on the clock with the 32nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he saw nothing but a Brian Westbrook clone in CEH. That comparison should vault him to the top of dynasty rookie drafts this summer. Pairing Reid with Edward-Helaire makes the young back a clear 1.01 in dynasty rookie drafts.
Westbrook was a shorter back with good weight, faster in shoulder pads than on a track, and could explode through holes. Also, you can’t leave out his pass-catching ability. If you weren’t paying attention, I basically just described Andy Reid’s type. Westbrook and Kareem Hunt both fit that mold. When Reid turned on the LSU tape, he saw someone better.
Brett Veach told Andy Reid to watch some Clyde Edwards-Helaire film and told Reid you’ll see Brian Westbrook. Reid watched. Then got back to Veach and said he’s better than Westbrook.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 24, 2020
For Clyde Edwards-Helaire Touches = Production
Boy, there will be touches funneling to CEH in Kansas City. Since 2003, Reid has proved year after year that when he finds his bell-cow, he’s going to feed him the ball. In Philadelphia, Brian Westbrook averaged 265 touches per year, and LeSean McCoy averaged 264 touches per year. Since arriving in Kansas City in 2013, Reid has deployed five different lead backs who averaged 239 touches per year in that role.
Andy Reid also has a propensity for leading potent offenses. Since 2013, Kansas City has ranked outside the top-10 in points scored only twice. It also doesn’t hurt that they have the fastest man in the NFL playing WR, a top-three TE, and some guy named Patrick Mahomes at QB.
When All Else Fails, Trust Draft Capital
Draft capital is everything in the NFL, especially at the RB position. Whether it’s purposeful or involuntary, NFL head coaches give higher-drafted players more playing time. With RB, the correlation between draft capital and success is the strongest of all skill positions. Any time a RB goes in the first round, we MUST pay attention. As the NFL devalues the position with limited second contract opportunities, we must hammer the RB position early and often in dynasty leagues.
CEH is the sure-fire, slam dunk rookie 1.01 in dynasty rookie drafts. He has the draft capital, talent, and a perfect team fit. It was speculated that whoever Kansas City drafted at RB would vault to the top of rookie drafts this summer. Every now and then, speculation is spot on.
