Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Erik Lambert
No college has proven itself a bigger factory for running backs over the years than Alabama. Is Kenyan Drake another one of their gems? Here is his 2016 NFL draft scouting report.
Position: RB
School: Alabama
Year: Senior
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 210 lbs
History:
A native of Georgia, Drake caught the attention of college programs across the country when he posted 1,610 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as a high school senior, earning him a four-star rating. He committed to Alabama where he became an active reserve serving as the compliment to several notable teammates from Eddie Lacy, to T.J. Yeldon to Derrick Henry. During his time there he helped the team win two national titles.
STRENGTHS:
- Undeniable speed. Give him an open lane and he’ll turn it into a big play. Added value as a return man.
Don’t be surprised if after watching his tape that teams consider moving Drake to wide receiver. As this play shows he has more than enough speed to make defenses nervous on the boundary and his hands are reliable to make the catch look routine. This kind of vertical speed mixed with his quickness and cutting ability have made some pretty solid receivers in the past.
- Can stop and start on a dime. Very quick feet that allows him to change direction with suddenness, making defenders miss.
- Deadly on screen passes. Has the natural hands and fluid athleticism for receiving.
- Show good vision when in the open field. Able to find cutback lanes when along the sideline to create more yardage.
WEAKNESSES:
- Needs to get more decisive. While his quick feet can make him elusive, they also can lure him into dancing too much. Has to learn to get upfield.
- Lack of power in his legs makes it easy for defenders to trip him up and tackle him one on one. Doesn’t gain much after contact.
- Not much of a willing blocker. Despite favorable size, prefers to casually throw a shoulder at defenders rather than use proper technique.
If Drake bothers to even put his body in the way, there’s a chance the quarterback will have time to find an open receiver. Instead he lowers his head, taking eyes off the defender and tries to throw a shoulder. The pass rusher easily sidesteps him and is in the face of the quarterback before he can survey the field, leading to a sack and a big loss.
- More of an athlete than a football player. Needs to improve a lot of a the little technical details in his game.
Pro Comparison: Percy Harvin
Based on the type of game he has, Drake shares a lot in common with Harvin. Keep in mind he doesn’t have the lower body strength but when it comes to having skill at multiple positions (running back, receiver, return man) there is a lot to be excited about with the Alabama product. If he can get stronger and become more decisive, he might end up being a bigger version of the former Pro Bowler.
Projection: 3rd to 5th rounds
Kenyan Drake has the skill set that can make a fine playmaker in the NFL. He’s just not polished and was little more than a change of pace back for the Crimson Tide. His development isn’t finished and he lacks the necessary strength to surpass being a weapon who is brought in only for special plays. On the other hand, if he embraces a switch to wide receiver he could have a bright future.