How Clyde Edwards-Helaire's Expectations Compare To Others In His Rookie Class
After an offseason like no other, we near the first game of the 2020 NFL season. With rookies experiencing an abbreviated preseason program, what are their expectations heading into the season?
While some teams erred on the side of experience for their roster makeups, the Kansas City Chiefs could be relying on rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire for production.
Arrowhead Report's Jordan Foote and I discussed Edwards-Helaire's expectations as well as everyone else's in the rookie class on today's Roughing the Kicker podcast.
As we mulled over the anticipations for each player, something became clear to me. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a win-now pick, while some of the other selections were geared towards the long-term.
Edwards-Helaire was pushed into the starting role with the opt-out of running back Damien Williams, but he hasn't shied away from the duties. When it comes to fantasy football, the former national championship-winning back is projected as one of the best at his position.
Meanwhile, other draft picks like linebacker Willie Gay Jr. or defensive back L'Jarius Sneed are expected to see the field, but slow or delayed production in their first few games won't affect their expectation levels.
It seems that Edwards-Helaire, maybe rightfully so, has a lot of hype surrounding his debut Thursday night. The pick was put under the microscope because he is a running back who was taken in the first round and his career will continue to be under the same microscope. While expectations are for the team's first-round pick to impact the squad early, Chiefs fans need to be realistic with themselves.
While, yes, I believe Edwards-Helaire will be a difference-maker in the season opener, no one should throw a fit if he doesn't put up better numbers than Kareem Hunt did his rookie season. They're different players and it's a different game now. Let's hedge some excitement, so if he does live up to his forecasted potential, it'll be that much sweeter.
Want a shortcut? Start listening to the show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or iHeartRadio.
