The Dolphins have an interesting situation regarding running back Kenyan Drake, as this year marks the fourth and final season of his rookie deal. And while Drake has always had the talent, the production has escaped him to this point in his career.
The Dolphins have a young back from last year’s draft (4th-round pick Kalen Ballage from Arizona State) in line as well. Ballage, while bigger than Drake at 6’2 228 pounds, offers some similar skills.
But should the Dolphins let Drake walk in free agency next off-season and want a little more lightning to go with Ballage’s thunder? There’s an option available this year: Memphis running back Darrell Henderson.
Henderson was as explosive as it gets during his time with the Memphis Tigers. He ran for 11 touchdowns of 50 or more yards in 2018 alone, plus 43 rushes of 15-plus yards.
The former Memphis standout is a home run threat any time he touches the ball. He may have only ran a 4.49 at the Combine, slower than Ballage and Drake, but he shows to be much faster on tape.
Henderson is a compact runner at 5’8” and 208 pounds, with a very controlled center of gravity. He does a fantastic job of spinning out of contact and keeping his feet.
Henderson does not offer the balanced running skills of Kenyan Drake but with his big play ability, he could fill in for Drake just fine.
Drafting Henderson if he is around in the middle rounds gives the Dolphins options at the running back position, as well as the option of paying Drake or letting him walk. Of course value will be a factor here, so Miami will have to find a proper price.
