Kenyan Drake is in the final year of his contract
Last season Kenyan Drake created one of the best memories in the history of the Miami Dolphins.
Unfortunately, this miraculous play was part of Drake’s limited exposure in 2018. Frank Gore was Miami’s bell cow in 2018 because he produced more consistent runs and better pass protection. But now that Gore is up in Buffalo, most expect Drake to finally get a chance to carry the load.
Last season, Drake had 120 Attempts on the ground for 535 yards with four touchdowns. He also added in 53 receptions for 477 yards with 5 touchdowns. All combined, that’s excellent production…
… what could his production in 2019 look like if Miami gave him the bulk of the opportunities?
You can bet with pay per head software that Miami needs more than one back though, they need a stable of backs. So what will the Dolphins running backs group look like heading into the 2019 Season? Given the Dolphins commitment to running the football, they will keep 4-5 RB.
Who are the contenders to back up Drake?
- Kalen Ballage is the most likely contender to back Drake up. Now in his second season, the back from Arizona State saw some playing time last season with 36 carries for 191 yards and one touchdown. But he struggled in pass protection. Unless this weakness improved, a wildcard could take the bulk of carries behind Drake.
- Kenneth Farrow is a 3rd-year back who hasn’t seen much action in his career.
- Rookie Myles Gaskin was drafted in the seventh round 234th overall.
- Patrick Laird from Cal is an undrafted free agent and longshot to make it.
- Chandler Cox will take a small role in short-down, pass protection and receiving situations.
I’m not taking my eye off of Mark Walton last season, but the former 4th Round pick only carried the ball only 14 times for 34 yards and no touchdowns. With his baggage, he needs to step up his game big-time to make it. Still, Walton has the potential to play in this league. The South Florida native went to High School in Miami and played for the University of Miami Hurricanes, so Miami scouts know him very well. Maybe this is why they rolled the dice on him?
I see Walton more as a kickoff and punt returner, but Jakeem Grant plays that role. This could be a problem for Walton unless he can fill multiple roles with kickoff included. Still, his addition turned Hurricanes fans heads big time and mine too because I watched this speedster in college. The last Canes running back to make it big for the Dolphins was Lamar Miller. Will Walton will do the same in time?
Miami needs to iron out some kinks in their backfield
While I think Flores should have cleaned house to impose a whole a new attitude on this staff, the good side to Brian Flores’ decision to keep running backs coach Eric Studesville is he knows Drake and Ballage well.
My concern is both Ballage and Drake struggled in pass protection and both need sizable improvement to keep the QB upright. Miami appears to have a strong group. And they do when it comes to running the football and receiving out of the backfield. But, in the NFL protecting the QB is a primary skill set. Studesville knows intimately where both backs are with their pass protection, so again, it’s good they kept him.
To avoid serious issues this season, both Ballage and Drake must be able to carry the load so none of the other options are forced into a role they can’t handle. All fans should lock their eyes on both backs pass blocking more than anything come Training Camp to figure out how good this backfield will be in 2019.
I have confidence that Flores has brought the right attitude to South Florida. Also, you can’t fault the coaching staff of Bill Belichick’s Flores came from and their six Super Bowls. But the proof is in the pudding and how they get these running back to play will play a big part if they can beat the odds.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts and expectations for the running backs this upcoming season?
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