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KC Chiefs: Reviewing the 2020 rookie class

By Kelly Thompson

Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) breaks up a pass to Miami Dolphins running back Malcolm Perry (10) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) breaks up a pass to Miami Dolphins running back Malcolm Perry (10) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Running Back

At times during the 2020 season, Kansas City’s first round running back selection looked like  a dominant force out of the backfield. At other times, he looked like he was just filling space on the offense without ever having a true function or a significant role with the team.

What’s clear is this: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is an excellent talent. He will probably be a good player for Kansas City for the next four years (at least), yet using their first round pick on him was an unnecessary (and perhaps even unwise) use of the only utilized first round pick of Brett Veach’s career as general manager.

Edwards-Helaire gave the Chiefs 1,100 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns during the regular season despite missing three games with injury. It is difficult to complain about that production, yet it’s also impossible to be satisfied with it either. The former LSU superstar had over 20 touches in a game just three times in 15 games (including the postseason), and broke the 100 yard mark just three times as well.

Perhaps more concerning, Edwards-Helaire, a prospect lauded for his pass-catching prowess, was almost a non factor in the receiving game, breaking five targets in just five games. In key games, it seemed he was not a focal point of the offense at all.

Maybe the first round pick’s role increases in year two with a full offseason that translates to a complete role in the offense. Maybe 1,100 yards is what we should expect out of him for the next four seasons. If it’s the former, we may get to see the best version of the Chiefs offense yet. If it’s the latter, Veach wasted his first round pick.

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