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The Baltimore Ravens reportedly signed free agent running back Kenyan Drake today. He was released by the Las Vegas Raiders last week after one year with the team. The seven-year veteran has bounced around the NFL during his career.
Over the past year, Baltimore’s backfield has been a nightmare for fantasy football players. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards suffered knee injuries before the start of last season, forcing the Ravens to rely on Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have made a few other moves at running back this offseason. They used a sixth-round pick on Tyler Badie. Baltimore also signed veteran Mike Davis in May. So how does the addition of Drake impact the Ravens backfield?
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Kenyan Drake’s Impact On The Backfield
After signing Drake, the Ravens have four fantasy-relevant running backs on their roster: Dobbins, Edwards, Davis, and Drake. While Dobbins and Edwards missed last year after suffering a torn ACL in the preseason, Davis and Drake had solid fantasy seasons.
More importantly, Edwards will miss at least the first four weeks of the season as he recovers from his knee injury. Meanwhile, Dobbins might not be ready for Week 1, and the Ravens will likely limit his workload early in the year. The additions of Davis and now Drake suggest the Ravens plan on using all three running backs. Furthermore, Lamar Jackson also plays a massive role in Baltimore’s rushing attack.
Where Should I Draft Kenyan Drake In Fantasy Football?
Drake is possibly worth a late-round pick in standard-size leagues now that he has signed with a new team. While his current ADP doesn’t have him drafted in standard-sized leagues, that will change over the next few days. Meanwhile, the RotoBaller ADP has Drake as the RB61.
His fantasy outlook this season could go in several directions. Joining the Ravens this late in the offseason, he will have to learn the playbook quickly to replace Davis as the top backup behind Dobbins. Furthermore, Drake could get released once Edwards is ready to play.
However, Drake brings a receiving game element to the backfield that Dobbins and Davis lack. If he can earn enough snaps early in the season, Drake is a solid late-round selection.
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