🏈 MMQB on Kenyan Drake

[planomateo]

I meant to post this earlier today after I read MMQB.

Other draft niblets, in three-dot fashion: Talked to two men who like Notre Dame tackle Ronnie Stanley over Tunsil … “Best defensive tackle draft I’ve seen, easy,” said one veteran evaluator … I love the individuality of teams’ grades. I asked a few guys which first-round pick will shock the world on April 28. And one evaluator said he wasn’t positive this player would go in the first round, but said he definitely has first-round talent: Alabama back Kenyan Drake, who backed up Heisman winner Derrick Henry.

 

[PurlJam]

 

[Tidestalker]

Since the injury, I can't see Drake being a real difference maker at the next level. He seemed so afraid of contact.

He's one of those guys the announcers always say: "When you get him into space... He's hard to tackle". And my response is always - Well who the f*ck isn't? All these guys are talented when no one is around them... Drake has tremendous speed, but actually pushing through contact was a problem.

Reminds me of Ronnie Hillman for Denver last season. Had some really good moments and even beat out CJ Anderson for some of the year. But ultimately, he's looking for a job now because he was last in YAC of all NFL RBs and wasn't strong enough with the ball. Everyone always said "when you get him in space...." but in the NFL it's just not that easy. JMO

 

[bradenob]

Since the injury, I can't see Drake being a real difference maker at the next level. He seemed so afraid of contact.

He's one of those guys the announcers always say: "When you get him into space... He's hard to tackle". And my response is always - Well who the f*ck isn't? All these guys are talented when no one is around them... Drake has tremendous speed, but actually pushing through contact was a problem.

Reminds me of Ronnie Hillman for Denver last season. Had some really good moments and even beat out CJ Anderson for some of the year. But ultimately, he's looking for a job now because he was last in YAC of all NFL RBs and wasn't strong enough with the ball. Everyone always said "when you get him in space...." but in the NFL it's just not that easy. JMO

TS, I know what you mean, but I hope it just takes time. Late in the year he seemed to embrace contact more, then he broke his arm. What I liked about Drake before the ole piss injury was that he could really go thru you, OR around you. He DID seem to do fine with contact. I know we both wish him nothing but the best, but I guess I'm a little more optimistic about his chances.

 

[Tidestalker]

TS, I know what you mean, but I hope it just takes time. Late in the year he seemed to embrace contact more, then he broke his arm. What I liked about Drake before the ole piss injury was that he could really go thru you, OR around you. He DID seem to do fine with contact. I know we both wish him nothing but the best, but I guess I'm a little more optimistic about his chances.

Agreed.

 

[JoshB]

Drake had ZERO problems making contact before the first injury. You first post made it seem like he was always like that... but yes last year he def. seemed to be very timid and hesitant to start the year (but can you really blame him) but as the season went on he was started to hit his stride when the second injury happened. Even with his arm still not 100% he didnt seem timid in the Playoffs to me at all tho. He is going to be a less pussy version of Reggie Bush in the NFL.

 

[Tidestalker]

Drake had ZERO problems making contact before the first injury. You first post made it seem like he was always like that... but yes last year he def. seemed to be very timid and hesitant to start the year (but can you really blame him) but as the season went on he was started to hit his stride when the second injury happened. Even with his arm still not 100% he didnt seem timid in the Playoffs to me at all tho. He is going to be a less pussy version of Reggie Bush in the NFL.

For realz? The first sentence was "Since the injury...." lol

 

[JoshB]

For realz? The first sentence was "Since the injury...." lol

Skipped over that part I guess... I blame the ADD...

 

[T&B]

A lot of athletes try to use that ol "im pushing too hard," or "trying too hard to make something happen," when they are struggling, but with Drake it was clear he was trying too hard, and he wasnt in the same condition he was in before his leg injury. Several times I saw the turf monster tackle him because his legs could not keep up with the speed he was used to running at. (which is kinda funny when you think about it)

The season before the injury Drake was absolutely explosive. He had one year to improve his stock after the injury, and he had to do it while backing up the eventual Heisman winner. Thats a tough situation for him. Once he gets back to 100% I think someone will get a good deal on him later in the draft, but no.... definitely not the first round. lol

 

[Rolltide24]

For realz? The first sentence was "Since the injury...." lol

Birdman likes to be a critic and use a magnifying glass on each post. Just his nature. Looks like he only saw the part of your post that he wanted to. Lol

 

[uofarolltide]

TS, I know what you mean, but I hope it just takes time. Late in the year he seemed to embrace contact more, then he broke his arm. What I liked about Drake before the ole piss injury was that he could really go thru you, OR around you. He DID seem to do fine with contact. I know we both wish him nothing but the best, but I guess I'm a little more optimistic about his chances.

I think Drake will continue to recover and do well in the NFL. He was a bit timid last year early on - obv not in the championship game.
Remember that his injury wasn't the type to ruin an athletic career - it was a simple fracture, and will continue to get better. I think most of his issues were mental.
He still has blazing speed and quickness, and good hands too
Not to mention before the injury he ran like a badass mother fucker, with reckless abandon. Once he gets that attitude and confidence back he'll be golden.