NFL Combine Scouting Notes: Running Backs

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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) runs for touchdown on a kick off during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

First player I am going to talk about is Kenyan Drake from Alabama. I had been looking forward to seeing him run. He has a clear chip having been the Heisman winner’s backup, so he clearly wanted to have a good combine for sure. He had a very strong 40 time, looked explosive, and very good catching out of the backfield.

When I think of Drake, I think Shane Vareen or Duke Johnson. Drake has a bigger frame than those guys, at 6’1” and 210 pounds so he can show toughness to run the ball, but he is going to be best used in a committee system. In my opinion he will need a bigger lead back to make him more effective. Eddie Lacy and James Starks, Doug Martin and Charles Sims, both are very effective tandems and I could see a team like the Cowboys taking him later on in the draft to go with a big power back. Whether they keep their current running backs or draft someone else.

In my opinion, clearly a RISER going into the Pro Day Workouts. Look at rounds 5 or 6 in the Draft.

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