X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Rookie Roulette: Which First-Year RB Is the Best Value?  

Rishi Patel explains why you should draft Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire before any other rookie RB in 2020 based on upside and ADP values.

When it comes to drafting rookies, many fantasy owners know the potential risks that come with drafting an unproven player in terms of NFL experience. No matter how prolific a player may have been in college, the NFL is a whole different animal and adjustment periods vary depending by player.

For 2020, an impressive slate of rookies (who are offensive skill players) will look to carve out a valuable role for themselves on their respective offenses. Nevertheless, as with many rookies, entering the season atop the depth chart is less than likely when teams already have proven players.

RB is an integral position for fantasy and there are quite a few rookie RBs who could make an impact for their team this season. The question is whether any of those new guys can consistently produce good numbers for owners. With many new RBs likely having to compete for a bigger role with other backs, which one has the best chance to shine and should be drafted off the board first?

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Optimal 2020 Situation

The choice is obvious for me, and it's Clyde Edwards-Helaire of the Kansas City Chiefs. He may be a rookie, but he is slated to be the RB1 on a prolific offense with many talented players. Plus, his team just won the Super Bowl. Edwards-Helaire was the first RB drafted in the 2020 NFL draft and is now slated to be the featured back on KC after the other top back, Damien Williams, opted-out of the 2020 season. This is the best scenario for any rookie RB in the NFL because the others must compete for the lead role rather than simply being primed for it before the season even starts.

Now, this 21-year-old rookie is entering his first NFL season with much of the workhorse duties about to be put on him. Can he live up to the hype and optimal situation? Let’s break down his competition and college career further.

 

College Recap

At 5’7” and 210 lbs, Edwards-Helaire has a solid build and he did gradually get better throughout his three-season tenure playing for the LSU Tigers. The RB had a less than impressive freshman season in 2017 (31 total rush yards and 46 total receiving yards in 10 games), but his junior year in 2019 was where he shined and skyrocketed his NFL draft value.

Last season, the Louisiana native amassed 215 rushes, 1,414 rush yards, 6.6 yards per rush, 16 rush touchdowns, 55 receptions, 453 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in 15 games as LSU rode its way to the playoffs and National Championship victory. He had a total of 1,867 yards from scrimmage.

Per Bleacher Report, the LSU product is a strong runner who is difficult to tackle and can pick up his speed to run and breakaway for big plays. He also brings championship pedigree as he was a vital part of the National Championship team last year alongside QB Joe Burrow. Edwards-Helaire was compared to Packers RB Aaron Jones.

 

The (Lack of) Competition

Damien Williams was the lead back on the Chiefs last year. With him not playing in 2020, Edwards-Helaire should see no serious threats to his RB1 role at all. In fact, his competition will be rather unproven backs such as DeAndre Washington, Darrel Williams, and Darwin Thompson.

2016 pick Deandre Washington played the last four seasons with the Raiders but was rather unimpressive. Last season was one of his better years overall, as he compiled 387 rush yards, 3.6 yards per rush, three rush touchdowns, 36 receptions, and 292 receiving yards. However, he never eclipsed more than 487 rushing yards and 292 receiving yards in any season.

Now in his third year with the Chiefs, 25-year-old Darrel Williams has not proved he is capable of a larger role. In 12 games last year, the back only had 41 rush attempts, 141 rushing yards, 3.4 yards per rush, three rush touchdowns, 15 receptions, 167 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.

Finally, there’s Darwin Thompson, who was just drafted last year out of Utah State. The 23-year-old’s rookie season was far from impressive, as he only mustered 37 rush attempts, 128 rush yards, 3.5 yards per rush, one rush touchdown, nine receptions, and 43 receiving yards in 12 games.

Though these other backs will likely get some touches, it seems it won’t cut into Edwards-Helaire’s production much if the rookie performs well each week. This is because none of the other KC RBs are prolific based on their NFL stats (Thompson and Williams still don’t have much NFL experience either), so that bodes well for Edwards-Helaire holding onto the bell-cow back role for 2020. Even Hall-of-Fame running back Terrell Davis was impressed with this rookie and his abilities. Because he is primed for a huge role in arguably the best NFL offense, Edwards-Helaire merits top-10 fantasy value among RBs for redraft.

 

Why CEH Stands Out Among Rookie RBs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire has landed in an optimal situation as the clear RB1 on the Chiefs; the same cannot be said for his fellow rookie RBs like Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins, D'Andre Swift, and Cam Akers. Despite these backs having ADPs ranging anywhere from 35-91 in standard leagues and the fact that they could potentially provide decent flex or sleeper value at one point this upcoming season, their discounted rate does not match up to the value of CEH if he is taken with a high pick.

This can simply be attributed to the stiffer competition these other backs will have to endure for the elusive RB1 role. When looking at Jonathan Taylor or D'Andre Swift, two rookie backs who could be in contention for the RB1 role on the Colts and Lions respectively, their competition is certainly more formidable than the ragtag group of backs that will try to cut into CEH's carries.

The Colts have Marlon Mack, who is coming off a season with 247 carries, 1,091 rush yards, eight rush touchdowns, and 77.9 rush yards per game. Coach Frank Reich has made it known that Mack will be the starter heading into the season and that Taylor will not automatically be the RB1 despite his college success. He will have to earn it.

Meanwhile, the Lions also have Kerryon Johnson, who was only drafted in 2018 and still looking to prove himself. This means D'Andre Swift will face more sturdy competition as well because Johnson does have 1,044 rush yards, six rush touchdowns, 4.5 rush yards per attempt, and 58 rush yards per game in his two NFL seasons.

The same can be said for Dobbins and Akers on the Ravens and Rams, respectively. They will have to compete with backs who have decent NFL experience compared to those in the Chiefs' backup roles. Because of this, CEH is more worthy of a high pick because of his essentially guaranteed large role in a very explosive offense. The other rookie backs could be drafted later in drafts, but there is added risk with them because of the uncertainty regarding the size of their roles and just how much of a factor they will play for their respective teams, especially at the beginning of the season.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF