Earlier in the season, Kenyan Drake was seldom used by the Miami Dolphins. Now, as we head into the final week of the regular season, Drake is turning into a star in front of our eyes with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Dolphins selected Drake with the 73rd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Upon his selection, Drake was presumed to be another running back from Alabama that would succeed in the NFL immediately.
Contrary to belief, the Alabama running back rarely saw the field in his rookie season. Drake carried the ball only 33 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
The following season, Drake would finally get to prove that he belonged in the NFL. The versatile running back totaled 883 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone four times in 2017.
In 2018, Drake would put together his best season in Miami by accumulating 1,012 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, his momentum from the 2018 season didn't carry over to the 2019 season with the Dolphins.
To begin the year, Drake suited up in only six games for the Dolphins. Throughout those games, Drake garnered 348 yards from scrimmage and zero scores for Miami.
Finally, ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the Cardinals made a move to acquire the former third-round pick. From that moment on, Drake has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL.
The newly acquired running back would only have a couple of days to grasp the offense before making his debut against the San Francisco 49ers. Even with little experience in the offense, Drake delivered 162 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in Week 9 versus the 49ers.
Since his arrival, Drake has combined for 583 rushing yards on 111 attempts and seven rushing touchdowns. The dual-threat running back has also contributed 25 receptions for 148 yards in the passing attack.
The Cardinals were hoping to get a healthy version of David Johnson in 2019, especially since they handed him a lucrative contract before the start of the 2018 season.
Unfortunately, Johnson has dealt with multiple injuries in 2019 and hasn't been able to remain on the field. Luckily for Arizona, they may have found their long-term answer at the position in Drake.
After this season, Drake will become an unrestricted free agent due to his rookie contract expiring. There's no doubt that the Cardinals will try their best to retain the dynamic running back for next season.
At 25-years-old, Drake is beginning to flash his potential as an every-down back in the NFL. Give him an offseason in Arizona's offense, and he might be even better in 2020.
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