Pro Football Focus, a site that dives into the analytics of the National Football League and college football, was able to assess a former Alabama standout for the NFL Draft.
Running back Kenyan Drake, who projects as a third to fourth round draft value, is listed as the ninth-best back this year’s class. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound back recorded a time of 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash, while displaying a 34.5″ vertical at the NFL Combine.
On Thursday, the college version of PFF released a stat on Drake via Twitter, regarding his success in eluding tackles.
Alabama RB Kenyan Drake forced one missed tackle for every 2.6 touches on offense, the best rate in this RB class (min. 100 touches)
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) April 21, 2016
The Georgia native made a career at Alabama off being a diverse athlete.
He served at running back, wide receiver and return specialist, accounting for 2,589 all-purpose yards and 23 touchdowns.
Drake stamped his presence in Crimson Tide folklore when he returned a 95-yard kickoff for a touchdown against Clemson in the 2016 College Football Playoff national title game.
Multiple NFL analysts believe he will have a longer career than his counterpart, Derrick Henry, but staying healthy will be crucial for Drake. His versatility makes him indispensable for any franchise willing to take a chance on him.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
