Earlier this month, the Green Bay Packers signed running back Kenyan Drake off the Cleveland Browns practice squad. Drake had also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad and the Baltimore Ravens at the beginning of the season, appearing in just one game with Ravens.
Kenyan Drake is the NFL’s journeyman when it comes to running backs. He started his career with the Miami Dolphins for several seasons. He moved on to the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and 2020. He would then spend 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders and 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens (his first stint). In 2023, he joined the teams mentioned in the first paragraph; Ravens (second stint), Colts, Browns before finally landing in Green Bay.
i’m the oldest player on this offense and i’m not even 30 lol gonna put the league on notice for years to come
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) December 21, 2023
While Kenyan Drake May Not Shock The World And Have A Resurgence In His Career, He Is In A Place Where He Can Provide A Veteran Presence To The Green Bay Packers Offense That Is Full Of Youth.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
One such player on the Packers’ offense is wide receiver Christian Watson. While Watson wasn’t a first round draft pick, he was only two picks away from being in the first round. Watson has just reached 1,000 yards receiving with 12 touchdowns. He also has 91 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing as of Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been healthy. He missed three games in 2022 and has missed seven games so far this season, with two different injuries, the latest being a hamstring.
Another player that Kenyan Drake would have been impressed by is quarterback Jordan Love. With Aaron Rodgers leaving and joining the New York Jets, Love stepped into the role vacated by Rodgers. Love also reached 30 touchdowns, the sixth-fastest in 591 passing attempts.
Alongside the pair is AJ Dillon, a young, bruising running back out of Boston College who has a style similar to a Derrick Henry or a Jerome Bettis. While Dillon has had to share the carries behind veteran running back Aaron Jones, there have been rumors of the Packers moving on from Jones, opening the door for Dillon to carry the team.
Various of other players such as rookie receivers like Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed as well as second year receiver Romeo Doubs have all stepped up to fill the gap left by long-time Packers legend Randall Cobb and receiver Allen Lazard, both of whom joined Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets.
With Kenyan Drake making the point that “he isn’t even 30 and being the oldest on the offense”, the Packers appear to be in good shape going forward as the offense adds more pieces to the puzzle and continues to build chemistry. The team could easily be fighting for the division with talent they have acquired and after the draft. Packers fans have a lot to look forward to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will Kenyan Drake be signed?
Yes, Kenyan Drake has been signed by the Green Bay Packers to join their practice squad. This move comes as a strategic addition to bolster the team's running back options with Aaron Jones recovering from a knee injury. Kenyan's experience will be a valuable asset to the Packers' roster.
Why did the Raiders release Kenyan Drake?
The Raiders intended to release Kenyan Drake to prompt potential trade interest before the roster cut deadline. Despite the strategic announcement, no trade deals were finalized, leading to the ultimate decision to release Drake from the team.
