The NFL values backs that can beat you in a multitude of different ways, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (CEH) does just that.
CEH is the best receiving back in this deep & talented 2020 class, but he is much more than your traditional pass catcher.
Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/RUpGLXwQoi
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Angle & choice routes’
CEH has the ability to bait a leverage shift during both angle & choice routes.
Watch how #24 bites on the big ‘flash’ on step three, then CEH almost simultaneously spins through the engagement post-catch.
Best receiving back in the 2020 class. pic.twitter.com/GzuxF4mWig
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Angle & choice routes’
We again see the defender baited to change leverage due to CEH’s understanding of varied pace & how deceptive changing the size of joint angles can be.
Step 1 – Small closed angle right
Step 2 – Small closed angle left
Step 3 – Large open angle right pic.twitter.com/uqvsMrAJni— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Angle & choice routes’
CEH will be a mismatch nightmare for linebackers at the next level.
His ability to create quick separation in the short to intermediate areas will be weaponized by his NFL offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/32NzlzRica
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Manipulating 2nd level defenders’
What is ‘vision?’
We hear that ‘x back has good vision’ all the time, but what are components that go into it?
Two important ones are:
1. Recognition
2. ManipulationWatch the safety’s feet.
What is this the cause of? pic.twitter.com/WOXcxtxO6n
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Manipulating 2nd level defenders’
CEH recognizes he has a two option, one on one situation.
He manipulates the safety by ‘flashing’ towards the inside option.
This causes a false step from the safety.
CEH creates space with his eyes, then his feet to seal the deal. pic.twitter.com/TV1pI2ZoUS
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Manipulating 2nd level defenders’
CEH is square towards the sideline this time.
Baits defender towards outside hip then takes that away by dropping his angles & re-accelerating upfield.
CEH doesn’t have great long speed, but that isn’t a running back prerequisite. pic.twitter.com/0B8gGBpyDB
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Manipulating 2nd level defenders’
CEH is square towards the sideline this time.
Baits defender towards outside hip then takes that away by dropping his angles & re-accelerating upfield.
CEH doesn’t have great long speed, but that isn’t a running back prerequisite. pic.twitter.com/0B8gGBpyDB
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Winning early engagements’
Here he immediately identifies the unblocked defender & reacts accordingly to his angle of pursuit.
CEH displays great instinct coupled with strong reactive movement skills.
Important qualities for an NFL back. pic.twitter.com/4SaTg3x5Q6
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Winning early engagements’
Here he immediately identifies the unblocked defender & reacts accordingly to his angle of pursuit.
CEH displays great instinct coupled with strong reactive movement skills.
Important qualities for an NFL back. pic.twitter.com/4SaTg3x5Q6
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Spinning through contact’
Something I love about CEH is his ability to propel himself into acceleration while spinning through engagements.
However, CEH does appear to have trouble creating natural separation from backers & safeties. pic.twitter.com/WOJt6r6hrv
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Spinning through contact’
Elite level athletes always have a ‘go-to’ maneuver during one on one situations. CEH & his ability to chain together his spin in a variety of situations is just that.
Flashes big – creates a ‘false step’ – then spins off of the over-pursuit. pic.twitter.com/3fsYxHcWlR
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Functional strength’
He was (probably) down.
However, this is the most impressive play of CEH’s career at LSU.
We see him solving consecutive problems then being able to contort, re-organize, then use the negative angles created here to accelerate away at plays end. pic.twitter.com/CifcOI4pd6
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Functional strength’
CEH will measure between 5’7 & 5’8 & weigh-in around 208lbs.
His physical stature is an aid to when it comes to absorbing direct contact.
Here CEH is able to use energy he ‘absorbs’ from contact and re-applies that as torque to swing the defender past. pic.twitter.com/fJhJOGYvkQ
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Unrefined footwork’
At times, CEH takes an extra step laterally or pauses through his cuts.
Both allow time for backside defenders to pursue.
These cuts need to be minimized in both space & time to be maximize efficiency. pic.twitter.com/Mvp331Ak6l
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Unrefined footwork’
Reliance on spinning through engagements can get CEH into trouble at times & can lead to unnecessary contact from defenders.
Have to know ‘what is the best tool’ & ‘when to use it’
This is more of an observation than a concern. pic.twitter.com/krk3Q2lCB2
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Realistic landing spots’
Round 2, Pick 31: Kansas City
Round 3, Pick 6: Miami
Round 3, Pick 14: Atlanta pic.twitter.com/d9g4ZdIY0q
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Stylistic player comparison’
Former Philadelphia Eagles All-pro Brian Westbrook, is the first back that comes to mind when watching CEH on the field.
Both win as rushers in similar ways, but it’s their versatility as receivers that make them comparable stylistically. pic.twitter.com/yVe6Yd50j3
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
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‘Stylistic player comparison’
Former Philadelphia Eagles All-pro Brian Westbrook, is the first back that comes to mind when watching CEH on the field.
Both win as rushers in similar ways, but it’s their versatility as receivers that make them comparable stylistically. pic.twitter.com/yVe6Yd50j3
— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 15, 2020
LSU Football Report 