Some players get drafted based on a great college career. Kenyan Drake played behind some huge stars at Alabama, so teams do have some flashes to work with, which is enough for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins.
All of those teams need help at running back, but not necessarily a starter. And Drake isn’t going to be a starter, at least not projected to be. He never was for the Crimson Tide on two national championship teams, playing behind the likes of Derrick Henry, Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon. He does have impressive numbers, including 22 career touchdowns in both the running and passing game while averaging 6.4 yards per carry during his Alabama career.
But he also has injuries to hit his value (broke his leg in 2014, fractured right arm last season). He’s not seen as a three-down back, but more as someone who can be used in special situations, special teams (returned a touchdown 95 yards in the title game against the Clemson Tigers) and in a running back committee, or be a quality backup. Some think Percy Harvin, but Drake isn’t as lean or small. He simply seems that way next to running back monsters like Henry.
Where does this mean he ends up? Probably fourth round and maybe later. Who knows, maybe he impresses so much in his visits (next meets with the Colts; has already met the Cowboys, 49ers and Dolphins) it boosts his value in the eyes of more teams. While the Cowboys probably know who their starting running back is five months from now, it’s a little bit more vague when it comes to the other three teams. And yet, Drake, at the moment, feels more like a luxury pick for special missions than someone offenses hope to see him carry them.