Clyde Edwards-Helaire: What draft experts said about Chiefs RB

Taking a look back to remember what draft experts had to say about Chiefs RB, Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Entering his third professional season, and his first at full health, the time seems right for Clyde Edwards-Helaire to emerge as the talent that he was expected to be when the Chiefs drafted him 32nd overall in 2020.

Let’s look back on what the experts had to say about Clyde before and after the 2019 draft. We’ll start with Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Andy Reid and Brett Veach were on the record agreeing with this comparison, with Reid going as far as saying that Clyde was, “even better than Brian [Westbrook] on film.” Having Brugler — one of the most invested talent evaluators in the industry — and Reid on the exact same page in regards to what they saw in CEH was awesomely encouraging. It is certainly possible for Clyde to unlock Westbrook-type involvement in Coach Reid’s scheme in 2022.

Next, here is what Mel Kiper had to say after the Chiefs selected Clyde. “Clyde Edwards-Helaire is ideally suited for the Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid, and Patrick Mahomes… He’s going to have a great rookie year.”

Whether you love him or hate him, Kiper is one of the most plugged-in personalities during draft season, and his belief in Clyde being cookie-cut for this offense is justifiable. We are yet to see that belief crescendo, but who’s to say it won’t this year?

ESPN Draft Analyst, Matt Miller made a different comparison for CEH:

Another huge nod in favor of what could be with the Chiefs’ running back. Frank Gore finished his career with 16,000 rushing yards, good for third on the NFL’s all-time list. It’s unlikely, given an opportunity in Kansas City’s offense, that CEH could ever amass a similar volume to Gore, but if he can run even similar to a young Frank Gore in 2022, his acceptance rate among Chiefs Kingdom would go through the roof.