With Chiefs running back Damien Williams opting out of the 2020 NFL season, the opportunity for first round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire is one that fantasy football fans should not take lightly.
That's right. It is officially time to buy in on CEH and the great situation he finds himself in now that he should be the top dog in the Chiefs running back room. I'm absolutely bullish on his potential in 2020. He is an explosive playmaker who should become the man in the league's most explosive offense.
Unfamiliar with his talent? Take a look below:
Yeah. He's good.
What is really impressive about the 5'7", 207 lb. rookie is his elusiveness and his ability to make defenders miss in space. He has great instincts coming out of the backfield with a killer jump cut. Despite his small stature (or maybe because of it), he can really do some damage to defenses who have a lot to worry about in the Chiefs offensive attack.
An added bonus is CEH's effectiveness in the passing game. At LSU, he was a trusted weapon for Burrow as a pass catching back. When he is one-on-one with a linebacker, he is a tough guy to catch. Members of the Kansas City coaching staff have commented on his offensive versatility, his footwork, and his vision as being the tools to build a great foundation in their offense.
So, with your drafts about a month away, where should you be taking CEH? Here's how I see it - he's a top 10 fantasy RB this year. That offense, that quarterback, those weapons, that coach...he will have success this year. Here's where he ranks for me in my top 10 running backs:
Christian McCaffrey
Ezekiel Elliott
Saquon Barkley
Alvin Kamara
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Derrick Henry
Dalvin Cook
Josh Jacobs
Nick Chubb
Kenyan Drake
#5. I feel confident taking him ahead of a guy like Dalvin Cook, whose injury history and potential for a holdout certainly make me a little wary. Nick Chubb is a player who I think very highly of, and he now has a run first coach in Kevin Stefanski and an improved offensive line. The only thing that muddies these waters for me is the presence of Kareem Hunt, who definitely cut into Chubb's workload down the stretch last year. Can Kenyan Drake have sustained success for a full season in Arizona with what could be a high-powered offensive attack? Will he finally be unleashed in an offense after years of being held back by the Dolphins? Time will tell.
There are some question marks surrounding some of the backs in the second part of my top 10, and if I'm investing high draft capital on one or more of these guys, I want to come away from my draft feeling like I secured a player with the talent and opportunity to be a difference maker on my fantasy team. The fit in KC makes CEH someone I L-O-V-E this year.
- JD
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