
With the 71st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the LA Chargers select: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
It might be a bit shocking to see the Chargers go with a running back before a wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft but based on who was left on the board, the team cannot afford to pass up on Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Edwards-Helaire is one of the best running backs in this draft class with many expecting him to go in the mid-second round. He slipped in this mock draft simulator and while running back is not the team’s biggest need, they certainly would benefit from having a back like Edwards-Helaire.
The narrative going into the draft is that the Chargers need a change of pace running back to help Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. Here, the Chargers would be getting someone who could truly do it all, helping in the running and passing game that would be so much more than just a change of pace back.
And hey, maybe that is for the best. As good as Austin Ekeler is and while he did just get paid he does benefit from being in an offensive system where there are two legitimate rushing threats. He might not be as great as a true RB1 and his three best receiving games last season all came once Melvin Gordon returned.
Edwards-Helaire is someone who could split early-down rushing attempts with Ekeler and could be a great decoy in the offense to open the field up for Ekeler and Tyrod Taylor. He probably deserves a bigger role as a three-down back, but if he blossoms into what he can be, he could create one of the best backfields in the league.