Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake is fighting for not only a spot on the 53-man roster but a prominent role in this new regime.
Last year, Kenyan Drake saw limited action in the offense as he was injured during the season, with just 63 carries and just 254 yards total averaging four yards a carry. With more touches, Drake could have made more of an impact on this offense and more diversity to the backfield.
Drake provides an explosive receiving weapon out of the backfield with an 82.0 receiving grade from PFF. However, under the new regime, does he have a place in this offense?
Josh Jacobs is the known RB1, as he has been productive since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This issue with Jacobs has been his health but also being productive for a full season, something the franchise has tried to fix by bringing in guys like Drake to back him up.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the team selected Zamir White from Georgia, and he has been every bit as good as advertised. White has the speed and size to be a real player at the NFL level and is steadily moving up the depth chart.
Where does that leave Raiders RB Kenyan Drake?
There are a few other names in the mix right now, including veteran Ameer Abdullah, who has had some big moments this preseason. The Raiders also added Brandon Bolden from New England this offseason, a player who is familiar with new head coach Josh Mcdaniels’ offense from their time together with the Pats.
Mcdaniels wants versatility in his backs and liked to keep three or four backs as the offensive coordinator in New England. However, Drake needs to make a strong push to make the 53-man roster due to Jacobs and White being locked into a role, and the trust McDaniels has with Bolden.
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Right now, one could argue that Drake is the fourth running back for this team behind Jacobs, White, and Bolden, so he has some work to do. Brittain Brown has impressed this offseason, as has Austin Walter, so all of a sudden, the Raiders running back room is loaded, and Drake could be the odd man out.