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Report: Alabama RB Kenyan Drake to Visit Colts

By Luke Schultheis

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) runs for touchdown on a kick off during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) runs for touchdown on a kick off during the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to ESPN’s Mike Wells, the Indianapolis Colts have a visit scheduled with University of Alabama running back Kenyan Drake:

The 6’1″, 210 pound running back had an effective, yet injury plagued senior season for the Crimson Tide–having fractured his arm. Still, Drake managed to run for 408 rushing yards on 77 carries (5.3 ypc average) and a rushing touchdown. He also added 276 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, showing solid hands out of the backfield.

Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) carries against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake (17) carries against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, the Colts could be in the market for another running back. Something that GM Ryan Grigson recently indicated at the league’s annual meetings:

"“But again, we’re probably not done there either (at running back),” said Grigson. “There’s a lot of good backs that you can get like Vick Ballard.”"

Specifically, starting running back Frank Gore is set to turn 33 years old in May, and the Colts could use a long-term answer at the position. While the team recently signed Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman, neither running back projects to be more than a backup going forward–although Drake may not realistically either.

The Colts could still consider a young running back like Drake to inject some life into their ground game and play as their 3rd down back by catching and blocking out of the backfield. The team has used Ahmad Bradshaw in the past for this role, but he cannot stay healthy and is unlikely to be re-signed at this time.

From that standpoint, Drake could serve a useful role for the Colts if he’s available in Rounds 4-7 as projected (via his NFL.com Draft Profile):

"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 COMPARISONCharles SimsBOTTOM LINEDrake 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)."

While he was often overshadowed by fellow running back Derrick Henry, Drake could actually be a sleeper in the mid-late rounds of this year’s NFL Draft. He was injury prone, but still always productive:

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