Is Drake A Drag On Miami RB Core

Kenyan Drake was drafted in the 3rd round, but barely contributed so far this season.

Drake’s supposed to be a back that offers Miami a pass-catching, home run threat.

I was never very high on the Miami Dolphins drafting Kenyan Drake in the 3rd round (number 73 overall).

Then he pulled a hammy the day he signed his contract.

And then he pulled it again, missed most of camp and will not be seen in Friday’s game against the Cowboys.

Neither of these further endeared me towards the pick.

I’m not saying his “bum hammy” will threaten his career or that missing camp-time means he’s a bust. But, after watching last weeks game, I have come to realize that the Dolphins have 5 running backs with likely only 4 positions.

We know Foster and Ajayi are locks – unless something major happens and shocks the best pay per head provider.

We know that no matter what, Miami won’t likely bail on Drake and his 3rd round investment that quickly. So, he’s a lock for the 2016 roster.

Drake has spent more time with his trainers than on the field.

That leaves Thomas, Williams and Pead fighting for one spot.

Williams has shown he has versatility, ability to provide crushing pass-block, good receiving skills, special teams experience and a solid ability to run the ball. He is also home-grown and cheap. I wouldn’t think he should or would be moved.

That leaves Thomas and Pead.

First, I owe an apology to them both. I discounted their addition from the day they were signed. I was wrong.

Thomas has given his all. He has played well, and if he had played like this when he was drafted…who knows. He was a good asset for this camp and this Miami team. Yes, he was a bust as a second round pick. But, the past is the past, I’m only judging him on the present. In the end he is playing for a chance to be with another team.

Then there’s Isaiah Pead.

I edited up most of his carries against the Giants below (it’ not Academy Award winning, so take it for what it is).

Yes, this was the third quarter, but moves are moves. Even when he wasn’t given good lanes, he made due and was never was taken down by the first tackler – not once.

He showed jump cuts, delays, ability to pick through traffic, he worked defenders far and up close, glanced off tackles, showed good patience, acceleration and vision. I know this makes him sound like a RB god, and that’s not the case. He didn’t jump-cut like Barry Sanders or glance like Marcus Allen. But, this kid has run better than any back so far this camp.

Maybe, the most likely scenario is that this was a blip on the radar, but…

…What if he does this against the 1’s, on a regular basis, while holding up under the rigors of this type of play, what then?

Ajayi, Foster and Drake have a history of injuries, but at least Ajayi and Foster have history other than injuries.

I’d hate to let a good back go, only to be stuck with a back who lives in a hot tub.

This will be very interesting going forward, that is if Pead keeps coming and Drake keeps sitting.