Patrick Mahomes praises Clyde Edwards-Helaire for competitive edge

On the latest episode of Chiefs podcast In the Trenches, Patrick Mahomes broke down why he was so impressed with rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to put out weekly episodes of their official podcast, In The Trenches, throughout the team’s offseason, and this week’s episode featured their biggest star of all in former NFL Most Valuable Player Patrick Mahomes. The entire interview with the shows co-hosts—B.J. Kissel and Nick Leckey—is worth a listen, but it was a lot of fun to hear Mahomes praise rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

During the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chiefs turned heads by taking the first running back overall when they selected Edwards-Helaire, an LSU product, at the bottom of the first round. It was not only earlier than expected for any running back overall, but it also shocked some to see CEH go before DeAndre Swift, Jonathan Taylor and/or J.K. Dobbins. Then again, nearly everyone agreed the fit was perfect for K.C.

After the Chiefs selected Edwards-Helaire, the dust settled enough for the team take questions about the pick and general manager Brett Veach noted at the time that he called Mahomes to ask him who he wanted without giving him options. Mahomes texted back with Edwards-Helaire’s name. On this week’s podcast, Mahomes was able to explain part of the reason why.

“I’d watched him at LSU and seen some of the stuff he did,” said Mahomes. “The way he was able to rise up and play even better when the competition got harder or the game was a bigger stage, that was something that really impressed me. It seemed like every time he played better competition, he played better football. Obviously the way he’s able to catch the ball out of the backfield is something that is special and we’ll be able to utilize a ton. I think he’s just a real great addition to that running back room.”

Edwards-Helaire has drawn comparisons to former Philadelphia Eagles great Brian Westbrook as well as current New Orleans Saints back Alvin Kamara. He’s expected to compete for starter’s reps with Damien Williams as the Chiefs also sort out competition that includes DeAndre Washington, Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson, Mike Weber, and Elijah McGuire.