Clyde Edwards-Helaire lands on NFL’s top rookies list

The NFL’s list of their top 25 rookies so far this year includes Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Daniel Jeremiah has come out with his Top 25 Rookies of the 2020 NFL season thus far, and one member of the Kansas City Chiefs enjoys a decent place of prominence in running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The Chiefs rookie back comes in at No. 11 overall.

Jeremiah’s list begins, as it should, with two quarterbacks in Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. From there, it includes a wide variety of players taken all over the draft (or even left unselected) from a range of positions. When it comes to Edwards-Helaire, Jeremiah writes:

"The Chiefs haven’t relied on the running game in the past few weeks, but Edwards-Helaire still finds ways to impact the game. He should get more touches down the stretch."

Edwards-Helaire is the second running back listed in Jeremiah’s rankings and the seventh offensive player overall. James Robinson, the undrafted rookie sensation for the Jacksonville Jaguars, came in fifth overall. Other running backs to make the Top 25 include Antonio Gibson of the Washington Football Team (No. 20) and Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts (No. 25).

The Chiefs were far more reliant on Edwards-Helaire in the offense before adding Le’Veon Bell after Week 6. Since then, neither running back has taken on a prominent role, but even the split in carries has caused Edwards-Helaire’s production to drop off significantly. His per game average in rushing yards has fallen from 84 to 27 over the last three games, which has undoubtedly hurt his place in rookie rankings like this.

Still what matters most for the Chiefs right now is making sure Edwards-Helaire remains fresh and ready for the stretch run when it matters most, and there’s plenty of time for him to rack up further stats as he’s just beginning his career with the team. For now, he’s a still important piece on the NFL’s most dangerous offense, one that’s ready to “run it back” and claim successive championships.