As news broke this morning of the Miami Dolphins trading running back Kenyan Drake to the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional 6th-round draft selection in 2020, it was met with general dissatisfaction among Dolphins fans. But no complaints over sentimentalism will change the truth — that this was a good move for the forward-thinking Miami squad.
Here are two truths (and a lie) regarding the trade.
Netting a 6th round selection that could grow to a 5th is a good return for Drake
Listen, we get it. Fans are sentimentally attached to Drake because of the Miami Miracle. It was the single biggest moment for Dolphins fans in quite a while. We live a sad life as football fans, after all. Yes, Drake was a third round selection in 2016 — the draft presumed to be Chris Grier’s first as the guy picking the groceries. And yes, Drake finished 2017 with nearly 600 scrimmage yards between weeks 13-17.
However, the way the league values the running back position — spare the very best of them — is incredibly diluted. Remember when the “Jay Train” was in full effect in 2016? The Dolphins were only able to get a 5th rounder in return for Ajayi, and that was after he proved he could be a workhorse back. Drake never proved that in Miami.
Compound that with the report stating Drake’s representatives and the Dolphins brass were not close on an extension? It was a win to get any return from an inevitably departing player.
Result: Truth; netting a 6th round selection that could grow to a 5th is a good return for Drake
Kenyan Drake is a supremely talented player coaches failed to utilize
There is no denying the physical gifts Kenyan Drake possesses. The speed coupled with the size coupled with the pass-catching ability are undoubtedly the reasons he was taken in the 3rd-round in 2016 despite being just a part-time player at Alabama. The upside was enough to drool over. And yet, when Jay Ajayi was traded to the Eagles in 2017, it took an injury to Damien Williams for Drake to see significant starting reps. In 2018 with the off-season hype at an Everest-like peak, Drake relinquished starting duties to the ageless Frank Gore.
“Maybe Adam Gase was the problem,” we all said.
Enter Brian Flores and company. Kenyan fell behind again, this time to the inferior talent of Kalen Ballage. And when Ballage failed spectacularly? RB3 Mark Walton got the majority share of the carries. Walton, a free agent acquisition with a checkered record, had been shown more favor from the coaches in recent weeks leading up to this trade.
Three separate coaches, three same conclusions.
Nick Saban: Drake is a part-time player
Adam Gase: Drake is a part-time player
Brian Flores: Drake is a traded part-time player
Result: Lie; Drake is not a supremely talented player coaches failed to utilize
Unloading Kenyan Drake allows Miami to evaluate more of the roster
This one is a bit of a no-brainer. Much like the replacement of Josh Rosen with Ryan Fitzpatrick, removing Drake from the starting lineup and subsequently trading him away entirely allows Miami to see what else they have on the roster before the crucial 2020 off-season. Drake’s inconsistency in his assignments, whether it be in the passing game or running the ball, was hampering the offense. Kenyan being shipped off will likely mean an uptick in playing time for fullback Chandler Cox and/or the elevation of Patrick Laird or Myles Gaskin.
In a season where Miami is merely trying to see who fits a role for the future of the franchise in transition, it was crucial to make a definitive decision on Drake’s longevity with the team, as well as freeing up a roster spot for someone who maybe is in the long-term plans.
Result: Truth; Unloading Kenyan Drake does allow Miami to evaluate more of their roster
Thank you for the memories, Kenyan. Best of luck with your future endeavors in Arizona and beyond — but for the Miami Dolphins, this was the right decision.
