Drake’s chance begins today

DAVIE — Confidence is something Kenyan Drake does not have a shortage of.

The Miami Dolphins’ tailback has an unwavering confidence in himself, his talent, and his potential.

But what the former Alabama standout doesn’t have is experience, a polished resume that proves he’s as talented as many say he is, and his size (6-foot-1, 221 pounds), speed (4.45 in the 40-yard dash) and pedigree (third tailback selected in the 2016 NFL draft) hint at.

In his two seasons in the NFL, Drake, who will make the third start of his career in today’s home game against the Denver Broncos, hasn’t proven he’s ready to carry a team’s rushing attack. He’ll be given that opportunity while Damien Williams is sidelined by a shoulder injury, and the outcome could change the trajectory of Drake’s career.

“I try to go out in practice and prepare like I’m getting every carry regardless of the situation,” said Drake, who has never handled more than nine carries in an NFL game. “The fact that it could be the case, it just kind of goes into my preparation. Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”

But has Drake ready?

Drake started six games in his four seasons at Alabama, where he produced 1,495 yards and scored 18 touchdowns as a backup to Eddie Lacy and then Derrick Henry, who won the Heisman Trophy.

While he’s viewed as a very talented athlete, the last time he was a fullfledged starter for more than a handful of games was his senior season at Hillgrove High in Powder Springs, Georgia.

There is no track record that proves he can handle a 250-carry workload, which concerns Dolphins coaches.

“I have a lot of confidence in him ability-wise, but when he went into the starting role, the playing role, that’s a whole different game,” offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said. “When you’re getting thumped and you’re the guy and all of a sudden you’ve played three weeks in a row and your body’s sore, can you take the pounding? Can you hold onto the football?”

These final five games will present a case study for the Dolphins, and help Miami examine the tailback position. If Drake isn’t able to carry the rushing attack, the Dolphins must find someone in free agency, or the draft, that can. been