RADIO
Running back Kenyan Drake is entering his fourth year in Miami, with a new coach and Frank Gore out of the picture. Richard King takes a look at Drake's value in dynasty leagues for the 2019 fantasy football season. Should you buy him or sell him as a long-term prospect?
We continue our offseason series of dynasty price checks with a look at Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake. The Dolphins are a team in full rebuild mode but Drake could benefit from a new coaching regime and the departure of veteran Frank Gore, who ate into his snap count in 2018.
We will start off with an overview of the veteran and then take a look at analyzing his value in dynasty leagues. Then, to finish it off, we will propose some possible trades involving Drake to give you some ideas for either buying or selling him.
For all discussions regarding Drake's dynasty value, let's assume you are playing in a 12-team, one-quarterback dynasty league with 0.5 PPR scoring. As always, player values can shift quickly in dynasty leagues so be sure to stay on top of the NFL news cycle when proposing trades.
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Overview
Kenyan Drake
Team: Miami Dolphins
College: Alabama
Height/Weight: 6'1", 211 pounds
2017 NFL Draft: Round 3, Pick 73 overall
Drake was selected in the 2017 draft in the 3rd round and was, in fact, the third running back off the board, behind Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry. Unfortunately for Drake, the team already had Jay Ajayi on the roster as the starting running back and so while he played all 16 games in his rookie season he was only able to have 33 rushing attempts all season, which he was able to take for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Drake was also sparingly used in the passing game, catching nine passes for 46 yards.
In 2017, the team was hit by injury to quarterback Ryan Tannehill, that led to the team bringing in Jay Cutler, altering the way the offense played. Drake was originally the third running back on the depth chart behind Ajayi and Damien Williams. Drake was far more involved in the team's offense, playing in all 16 games again and starting in six of them. At the season's end, Drake was the team's starting back, with Ajayi traded away mid-season and Williams picking up an injury. Drake finished the season with 133 rushing attempts for 644 yards and three touchdowns, while also continuing his trend of being a pass-catcher by catching 32 passes for 239 yards and a single touchdown.
2018 brought a new running partner in free agency, as the team signed Frank Gore from the Indianapolis Colts. Drake once again sat behind another running back on the depth chart. Drake finished the season with fewer rushing attempts than the previous season, ending with 120 rushing attempts for 535 yards and four touchdowns. Drake was more involved in the passing game for the Dolphins, catching 53 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns.
Dynasty Value
Drake has built himself a role in the Dolphins offense as an effective pass-catcher and at this point, he is the team's starting running back. Given his involvement in the passing game, he has a great baseline for fantasy owners.
The Dolphins have brought in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has not typically targeted players on shorter routes, but the team has lost a lot of their talent on offense. Adding to the changes is a new voice on the sidelines with Brian Flores being appointed as the head coach. Flores was previously the linebackers coach in New England and therefore could have a different role for Drake along with new offensive coordinator Chad O'Shea (who also moves over from the Patriots).
Possible Trades
Moving Drake for draft picks, I would anticipate his value to be a late first-round pick or multiple later picks.
If I was targeting a wide receiver, I'd be likely looking for a younger player who hasn't got an amazing history of fantasy production but has shown ability. Players like Dante Pettis, Tyler Boyd or D.J. Moore at the top end of options. I think it would be possible to target higher-ranked receivers like Brandin Cooks, T.Y. Hilton or Kenny Golladay if another piece was added to the Drake side.
I wouldn't really look to trade him for a running back, as he is part of a larger group of RBs with similar value. That means you are likely to have to give up additional pieces for a small upgrade. I'd likely hold Drake instead, as he is at least a sure starting running back in the league.
Conclusion
Drake has had impressive performances since he has been in the league, and this season is the first since he was drafted that he has been top of the depth chart at running back. I would be looking to hold him as an RB2/ Flex option unless I was felt I was able to give my wide receiver position a clear upgrade and had enough depth at RB to do so.
