The Dolphins are selling everyone on their roster at this point in the season. They have already started shopping one of their running backs to try to get more draft picks. Here are five potential landing spots for Kenyan Drake.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has gotten some production out of Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones, but not enough. A lot of that lies in the offensive line’s play, but Barber and Jones have still been inconsistent at best. If the price isn’t too high, the Buccaneers could acquire Drake to give some life to their running game.
Bruce Arians has said that he wouldn’t pay a lot of money for a running back, which essentially ruled them out of a trade for Melvin Gordon. Acquiring Drake could work, at least for the short term, as he is still on his rookie deal.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Leonard Fournette has struggled to get anything going on the ground this year. He had -8 rushing yards late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans. Fortunately, he was able to break off a 69-yard run to improve the statline, but more help is needed at the position.
The Jaguars need to give some semblence of a running game to new quarterback Gardner Minshew. Minshew has been playing well so far despite not having the best running game behind him, but he could do even better with more help. Fournette also likely should get more breathers, as he has played almost every offensive snap this season. Drake could be the change of pace back the Jaguars need.
3. Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley is playing well, but arthritis in the knee is nothing to play with. Gurley has 30 carries on the season, while backup Malcolm Brown has 17. They are clearly trying to limit how much wear and tear Gurley goes through and could benefit from an extra running back.
Drake would be an upgrade over Brown and could do some good things in Sean McVay’s offense. Last season they acquired C.J. Anderson for their playoff stretch and it worked out in their favor. They could do it again this season if the price is right. The Rams did select Darrell Henderson in the 2019 NFL Draft, but if they don’t feel he is ready to go, as he has just one carry on the season, it might be best to trade for Drake.
4. Washington Redskins
Unfortunately, Derrius Guice hasn’t been able to stay healthy. After tearing his ACL as a rookie last season, he suffered a knee injury early this season. He is now on the Injured Reserve, but can return late in the season. If the Redskins don’t think he can return, or if they have any questions about his ability to stay healthy for the long term, they should pick up the phone and call Miami.
Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson can provide the Redskins with two very different running backs. Peterson can run for power, while Thompson is a speedy, receiving threat. That can work, but having Drake would upgrade the backfield. It could also help them in the future, as Peterson is aging and Guice can’t seem to stay on the field. Even if Guice does return, he and Drake could play on the same team and provide them with multiple weapons at the position.
5. Atlanta Falcons
Another team that is having trouble running is in Atlanta. The Falcons have just 130 rushing yards in two games. For their offense to fully reach their potential, they need to run the ball better. This will be hard for them given that they have some injuries on the offensive line, but sometimes a new running back can improve things.
Devonta Freeman has 19 carries for 41 yards on the season. Backup Ito Smith has actually had some success when he gets touches with 10 carries for 63 yards. If Freeman doesn’t find some room soon, it would be wise to look at other running backs like Drake, who may be able to get the job done.
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