Miami traded its most productive running back to the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Dolphins aren't too concerned about filling that void.
After trading Jay Ajayi to the Eagles for only a fourth-round pick, the Dolphins are making it clear that they will be fine. This is despite the fact that the two running backs who will try to replace Ajayi have a combined 142 career carries between them and just one NFL start.
“It will be by committee,” offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said, by way of the Miami Herald. “It won’t be like Jay would have 24, 25, 26 carries. It shouldn’t be that situation. It’s a violent position.”
Damien Williams and Kenyan Drake are going make up that committee. Unless you are a die-hard fan of the Dolphins, you are unlikely familiar with either talent.
Kenyan Drake is actually a career backup dating back to his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide in college. The offensive coordinator was asked if he'd even be capable of carrying a bigger workload.
“I’m not certain because we don’t have empirical data on it,” Christensen said. “He has carried a heavy workload on special teams, so he’s NFL tested. You are not throwing a guy in there who doesn’t understand how violent the game is in this league.”
“He’s an extremely fast guy and he’s an extremely good receiving skill guy,” Christensen said. “He’s a different style than Jay Ajayi was. Just his speed, his ability to take the ball around the corner, his ability to bounce it or go back door. You’re not quite as sure where he’s going to run. That gives you a little extra threat. His speed is to be feared. And his hands are extremely good.”
For what it is worth, people have always been incredibly high on Kenyan Drake. He's just always been stuck behind elite level talent at the position.
The offensive coordinator would also go on about all the stuff Williams brings to the table. He was gushing.
To put it more bluntly: At least for Miami's offensive coordinator, he isn't too concerned with the running back by committee approach. If anything, really, he's excited to get it going.
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