Kenyan Drake has consistently flashed monstrous Individual Ability and fantasy upside when afforded a chance. With Adam “Bulging Eyes” Gase and Frank “Corpse” Gore removed, Drake may finally be used to his fullest potential. New HC Brian Flores and OC Chad O’Shea both love Drake’s playmaking skills and versatility, and the talented back is a major fantasy rebound candidate in 2019.
As a runner, Drake escapes congested situations as well as any, with an insane ability to first make tacklers miss and then zip up the field in a hurry. He’s a fantastic route-runner and even more dangerous in space. Drake’s just one season removed from recording PFF’s highest yards after contact per attempt ever (4.29), and has produced in a Fantasy Wasteland even on limited work.
Even still, he hasn’t received a chance to truly shine, at least not for a full season. When used in a 15-20+ touch role, Drake has thrived. In 2017, following Damien Williams‘ Week 12 injury, Drake shouldered 20+ touches for three straight weeks (13-15), scoring as the RB4 in this span. His 444 rushing yards during 2017’s final five weeks led the entire league.
Yet, he still ceded an unfathomable 156 carries — 36 fewer than his own workload — to Gore. Though he’s not guaranteed proper usage, the new coaching staff at least recognizes his potential:
Flores, who’s coached against and studied Drake plenty, gushed:
“I think Drake is an explosive player,” Flores said. “I’ve seen it firsthand, unfortunately. I think he’s a talented player. He catches the ball well. He’s a good runner. He runs hard. He does a lot of really good things.”
Meanwhile, O’Shea preached versatility and the ability to be “multiple” on offense, something that fits Drake to a tee. Hailing from the Patriots, O’Shea knows the value and mismatch potential of a pass-catching weapon out of the backfield, stating:
“The back is an important part of the offense… you look at the Dolphins’ roster right now, [and] it’s exciting to look at the backs. Competitively playing against those backs in New England that are in Miami now, it’s been a group that has a lot of strengths, and I can’t wait to work with them.”
Drake’s consistently excelled on all varieties of pass-routes, from deep flies and wheels, to screens and short hitches. He could easily slot into a James White style receiving role, with more rushing upside.
Whether he receives the “Usage” remains to be seen. But, with improved Coaching and less competition, Drake’s upside is now far higher.
