NFL Draft: Kenyan Drake Selected 73rd Overall by Dolphins
By Brad Kanning
Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 73rd pick during the third round in the 2016 NFL Draft.
ICYMI: Jarran Reed Selected 49th Overall by Seahawks
During his time at The Capstone, there may not have been a bigger fan favorite than Kenyan Drake. Hampered by injuries, Drake still shined in limited action and showed the world his blazing acceleration and speed. Drake was most dangerous when getting the ball in space, especially via the passing game on special teams returning kicks.
Drake never carried the ball more than 92 times in a season while at Alabama, but had 233 total carries averaging 6.4 yards per carry. In the receiving game, Drake caught the ball 46 times during his time at Alabama averaging 12.4 yards a catch, with my personal favorite being the first play against Florida in 2014. Drake made the most of returning kicks in 2015. He had 19 returns for 505 yards giving him a great average of 26.6 yards a return!
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Scouting reports strengths of Drake:
Checking in at 6’1″ and 210 lbs, scouts are quick to fall in love with Drake’s tantalizing skill-set and the ability to line up all over the field. With his blend of instant acceleration and top speed, Drake can plug and play in almost any system and bring the ability to move the chains running or receiving. Drake has quick feet and always keeps them moving, which allows him to break tackles and bounce out to pick up large numbers of yards after contact.
He has the ability to line up in the slot and be a good pass catcher in the pros, as he had done at times at Alabama. He has great hands coming out of the backfield. Drake can also be utilized in the return game, where he averaged over 26 yards a return in 2015 for Alabama. With Drake’s explosiveness and great vision, he will be a steal for whatever teams takes him in the draft, even if it is as late as the 3-4 rounds as projected.
Scouting reports weaknesses of Drake:
Obviously, scouts are concerned with injuries after Drake suffered a broken leg (2014) and arm (2015) while at Alabama. Drake has bounced back well from both of those injuries and shown it has not limited him, but it makes scouts weary as to if he can take the constant beating in the NFL. There are also concerns with fumbles when running the ball and dropping passes (4 drops while only having 46 career catches).
Scouts are really concerned with his ability to pass protect when lined up in the backfield. Some feel it is his biggest weakness. Scouts also feel he runs more sideline to sideline at times instead of cutting back up across the middle, and want to see more strength and power in his runs.
Overview:
There is no perfect NFL draft prospect, and the concerns with Drake are warranted, but there may not be a more explosive prospect in this years draft class. He is forgotten about after being behind the Heisman winner Derrick Henry, but the team that drafts him will have unearthed a gem that will play several productive seasons in the NFL.
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With the right offensive coordinator, Drake will have a great career due to his acceleration, speed, vision and ability to take a simple pass the distance. No matter what pick Drake ends up being, one thing is for sure: Tuscaloosa loves The Drake and will miss the roadrunner, but he will always have a place in our hearts.