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Kenyan Drake

Third-down back, or more?

The Dolphins selected Kenyan Drake in the third round, and the most reasonable scenario is that he operates as the team's third-down back and kick returner. He's got great speed (4.45) and is a capable receiver. But given Miami's running back depth chart, a larger role is at least possible.

The incumbent is just unproven Jay Ajayi, and the Miami Herald thinks there's a chance Drake can push for a larger role. "While it would be easy to pigeonhole Ajayi as the first- and second-down back with Drake coming in on passing downs, that’s probably not the way it will go. Instead, Gase will likely be more inclined to let each back have a own series and ride with the hot hand."

Probably a bold projection on the part of the newspaper. It's May, and every draft pick is going to be a superstar.

But it's true that there's less ahead of him now than at Alabama, when Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry were the main backs. And their early third-round selection of him implies they view him highly, perhaps as a significant weapon in their offense.

Just one of those rookies to monitor closely in training camp, because maybe he'll surprise.

--Andy Richardson

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