Kenyan Drake: Breakout, Fizzle, Or Meh in 2018?

Drake will benefit from the improved run blocking

Drake showed exceptional talent without any serious blemishes in 2017

The Miami Dolphins OTA’s began last week and continue through this week. After tremendous roster turnover from the 2017 squad, Miami managed a 100% attendance in 2018’s OTA’s. This is a small, but positive, step forward. Getting a 100% commitment is something Miami has failed to achieve in years past.

One name that gets many Phin Fans excited about this season is Running Back Kenyan Drake.

We all know the backstory: from an elite college program, durability questions, and buried on the depth chart. It took the shocking Ajayi trade to get his shot at the lead dog. Drake responded by posting the best rushing numbers in the league over the last 5 games of the 2017 Season.

Miami added Running Backs Gore and Ballage, but the starting spot is Drake’s to lose. So, will he keep it? And what will he do when he gets it?

So far, so good for Drake. He’s bulked up, reporting to OTA’s at around 218 lbs. This is a decent increase from his weight of around 211lbs in 2017. It shows that at least he’s taking his shot seriously. And he needs to… because nothing is a given. With Gore behind him, he must take the starting job. Drake still needs to prove he can survive a whole NFL season. Getting 250+ carries as a starter is a lot different than the 130 carries he received in 2017. But anytime a player adds weight, you must cross your fingers on hamstring issues. Let’s hope this won’t be the case.

Dolphins improvement on the Offensive Line will help the run game considerably

Drake’s main issue of 2017, his stuff percentage (number of runs stopped behind the line of scrimmage), should improve dramatically. His takedowns behind the LOS was 15.8 percent in 2017, the fifth-highest mark in the league. Signing Josh Sitton is a massive boost over the play of last year’s Left Guards. Sitton had a PFF sixth best run-blocking grade in 2017. Also, Daniel Kilgore has far more power at the point of attack over Pouncey. Pouncey was one of the worst run blocking centers in 2017 and Kilgore in the middle of the pack. So the free defenders disrupting runs, before they can even get to the LOS, should be greatly reduced. Add in Jesse Davis, who has near-elite strength, and the inside zone runs will be far more productive.

Center #67 Kilgore was able to move defenders in the run game in 2017

Coach Gase is excited about Drake’s potential in the passing game, who capable of lining up wide. Drake is a modern three-down back that can not only run but can also catch and block. Some bold predictions from the pay per head reviews like AcePerHead.com have Drake registering 50 plus receptions. Miami has not had a 50 reception running back since Ricky Williams in 2003. Two former Alabama running backs achieved this feat in Miami: Tony Nathan and Bobby Humphrey.

Drake does need to get a little better when deciding to leak, chip, or pick up in the passing game. But his pass protection is light years better than Jay Ajayi’s.

Potential isn’t production and the two don’t always meet

Drake is a matchup nightmare for defenses in every situation because of his speed. He has all the tools to be one of the more dangerous weapons in the NFL. It will be up to him–and some luck– to reach his vast potential.

We’ve had some decent runners the last few years with Ajayi and Miller. But Drake shows the greatest potential of them all. I’d take Drake over these two players in a heartbeat… if the flashes he showed in 2017 become a constant. Go Phins!!!

Miami Dolphins News written for and by Phins fans!