Sources Tell Us
"He's a player who you have to have a plan for because he's not an every-down back and he's too lean to be in around the goal line. I see him as a third down back with special teams qualities and those guys get drafted in the fifth or later." -- NFC West scout
NFL Comparison
Charles Sims
Bottom Line
Drake became the forgotten running back with Derrick Henry's Heisman-winning season, but he has good size, quick feet and can catch the football. Drake's draft stock could depend on whether or not teams envision him as a quality backup who could become part of a committee approach. Drake's physical traits and special-teams ability could make him a good value selection early in the third day (Rounds 4-7).
people have been doubting his ability to be a feature back since he was drafted. that was nfl.coms draft profile, and when he was drafted I remember saying he was picked too high, he can only be a part time player getting some of the snaps. I don't think that he wasn't seeing the field as much as his talent should've allowed because he was an injury risk, or because he couldn't handle the load, but because he wasn't able to do everything Gase wanted during his rookie year. you're not going to see the field on 3rd down if you're not pass protecting. I'm sure no one on the coaching staff thought that Williams was more physically gifted than drake, he just did everything asked. I think last training camp Gase said that Drake was showing more, and he was correct. so im sure he's correct this time.
Like circumstances mentioned, Gase mentality is not a cowbell back type. I've mentioned in previous post I look to see about a 55/35/10 split with the 3 RB's even though I'd love to see drake more in the 65% or better range. the end of last season was the first time that Drake was given the opportunity to be the stud back probably since high school. If Drake would've went to a college where he was the feature back, whos to say he wouldn't been a first round talent. the ability is there, now he just needs to show he can be the man throughout the course of the season. He's never given us a reason to not have faith in him, I'm not going to start now just cause he's never went into a season with the starter role and the thoughts of being the man
