One of the more interesting running backs in free agency this offseason will be Kenyan Drake, who split the 2019 campaign between the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals and had a heck of a lot more success with the latter club.
Talent has never really been the issue with Drake; it has always been opportunity.
In three-and-a-half seasons with the Dolphins, Drake averaged 5.4, 4.8, 4.5 and 3.7 yards per carry, respectively. Obviously, that last number doesn't look too good, but keep in mind he was running behind a porous offensive line and that Miami's offense stunk in general. Also, he went on to log 5.2 yards per attempt in eight games with the Cardinals.
In 2019 overall, Drake rushed for a career-high 817 yards and eight touchdowns, with most of that coming in Arizona. In addition, he caught 50 passes for 345 yards.
He is also just 26 years old and is just entering his prime, so he could land a rather hefty contract this offseason.
One team that should really take a long, hard look at Drake is the Houston Texans.
It didn't take long for the Texans to have to scramble for running back help this past year, as Lamar Miller suffered a torn ACL in preseason, resulting in Houston having to swing a last-minute deal for Carlos Hyde.
Hyde was actually very good for the Texans, but he is also a free agent this offseason, and he turns 30 in September. For that reason, Drake is probably the wiser choice.
Sure, Houston can always bring back Miller, who is a free agent, as well, but coming off of a torn ACL, we don't really know what to expect from him.
Basically, the Texans need a halfback, and Drake could represent a very viable option for them.
Deshaun Watson can use as much help as he can get on offense, because really, outside of DeAndre Hopkins, he doesn't have any consistent threats alongside of him. Will Fuller is almost always hurt, Kenny Stills is just alright and Keke Coutee has shown nothing yet, largely due to his inability to stay on the field.
Drake can step in and not only provide Houston with a young running back with some potential, but also take considerable pressure off of Watson and give him a rather reliable pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
The Texans also have plenty of cap room, so if Drake is seeking a big contract, they should be able to absorb it.
Of course, Houston will likely face some stiff competition for Drake's services, as the Cardinals want him back and other clubs have already been rumored to express some interest, but if the Texans really want him, they can get him.
It would also present Drake with a rather great landing spot, as he would be stepping into an offense with a very good quarterback, something he has never really had (no disrespect to Kyler Murray, who could be really good one day).
Houston definitely needs to add more pieces to seriously contend for a Super Bowl, and given the current state of its ground game, Drake would be a great option to bring in.
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