Silver Minings: Kenyan Drake named Raiders’ most dangerous weapon

The Raiders made a number of offseason moves, but one of the more surprising ones was when they signed running back Kenyan Drake. After a few solid seasons in Arizona, many expected Drake to pursue a starting job somewhere else. Instead, he comes to Las Vegas as the backup to Josh Jacobs.

Although his carries will likely take a hit in 2021, Drake has still proven to be a viable running back in the NFL. According to Bleacher Report, he could be the Raiders’ most dangerous weapon this season.

Like the rival Chiefs, the Las Vegas Raiders added a running back in free agency who can be a difference-maker in 2021. In the Raiders’ case, that back is Kenyan Drake, the former Dolphin and Cardinal who rushed for 955 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago. While Drake has never established himself as a workhorse starting back, he was more than serviceable as part of a committee in 23 games with the Cardinals.

During an eight-game stretch in 2019, Drake racked up 814 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. In Las Vegas, Drake will again split time in the backfield. The Raiders have a quality starter in Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs, though Drake should have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of. Jacobs shared the load last season with Devontae Booker, who rushed for 423 yards and three scores. Pairing Drake and Jacobs could give Las Vegas one of the most potent ground attacks in the NFL.

Drake was good, but not great in 2020. He finished with pretty good numbers, but watching his film showed that he has so much more potential. As the quick snippet states above, he was dominant with the Cardinals in 2019 after he was acquired from the Dolphins.

There’s no question Drake immediately becomes one of the best backup running backs in the NFL. As listed above as well, the Raiders very well could have one of the best running back duos in the league.

In other Raiders’ links:

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• Could the Raiders cut Jalen Richard? There’s a solid chance.
• Why Darren Waller will be the best tight end in the NFL next season.
• Johnathan Abram talked about highly about a new arrival from the Los Angeles Chargers, cornerback Casey Hayward Jr.