Kenyan Drake has the potential to be a special player
There’s a 100% chance that Free Agency begins March 14th …
… But how deep the Dolphin rebuild will be and how it will affect their moves in FA is the great unknown.
Most bookie website software providers are betting Miami will only dip their little toe in this free agency market… if that much.
Despite the lack of Free Agency activity, Miami might still trade away valuable assets for picks.
One particular player is in a curious position: RB Kenyan Drake.
Now, I’d prefer to keep Drake. He’s young, a playmaker who can score every time he touches the ball and is a rare receiver out of the backfield.
Just ask New England.
But these traits are exactly why other teams would be interested in trading for him… and might pay a decent price.
Many fans including myself were expecting Drake to have a breakout season last year. However, for whatever reason Gase gave the bulk of the carries to the veteran Frank Gore.
The rationale from Gase & Co. was, despite the big plays, Drake wouldn’t always maximize his runs and pass protection was an issue.
With Flores the new sheriff in town, there are no loyalties to last year’s roster. But, letting Drake go could hurt Miami’s future success.
Even with a limited workload last year, Drake still managed 535 yards on 120 carries for a 4.5 YPC with 4 rushing touchdowns. In addition, he proved his versatility by being effective in the passing game with 53 receptions for 477 yards with a 9 YPR and 5 touchdowns.
That’s sizable production from a role player.
The biggest thing that jumps out is the 9 touchdowns, which shows his unique ability to get to the end zone from anywhere on the field.
Then there was his trademark play of 2019 was the ‘Miami Miracle’.
Drake offers tremendous value and is a player that many even think has just scratched the surface of his talent. I agree with this assessment, but Drake is also in the final year of his contract. The ‘Patriot Way’ doesn’t pay a premium on running backs… and then there’s Kalen Ballage.
If Miami is looking to tank this season and stockpile draft picks for the future, then trading Drake should be on the menu… unless they are already certain he is part of Miami’s future.
Reasons for trading Kenyan Drake
- Drake was a 3rd round pick, getting even some value is key. A trade now or long-term contract is the only way not to lose value.
- Unless he performs at an above average level in 2019, his compensatory value will be lower than a 3rd… less than what Miami paid to get him.
- The 2019 Season should determine if Drake is worth a bloated extension. Can they fairly evaluate him with a weak roster?
- Will Drake get smothered in an offense in transition and make it difficult to evaluate him correctly?
- With one year left on his rookie contract, the cheap contractual obligation is an added draw in a trade.
Chiefs and Andy Reid would love to have an explosive RB… again
The Chiefs are a team I could see being interested in Drake.
onsidered contenders for next year’s Super Bowl, the one thing that Kansas City needs is a quality running back… especially one who is a receiving threat.
Losing Kareem Hunt hurt them in the Playoffs… bad. Also, the Chiefs have former Dolphin Damien Williams who shared the backfield with Drake in Miami. Williams is a dangerous and perfect compliment to Drake. Coach Reid would have a field day drawing up new and special plays for Drake.
The question is though would KC, or any team, really be willing to part with a quality pick to get him?
Running backs are much easier to find in the draft than other positions… but Drake’s ability in the passing game is rare. I can’t help but think of Terry Kirby, get nostalgic, and hope he sticks. Although, some quality picks return would make the pragmatic side of me smile.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about trading or not trading Drake?