Drapion is a rather interesting case of an exception to the Dark-type stereotype of being fast and powerful. True, it is somewhat faster than the rather common base 90 speed pokemon, but rather than having an above-average offensive stat(s), it has an above average defense stat. It's typing also compliments this; Poison/Dark leaves it weak to only Ground-type moves. The tier it is placed in almost seems perfect for it too; RU is looming with slower, defensive ghosts, especially Cofagrigus, the most used Pokemon in RU, that have trouble getting past Drapion. These qualities make Drapion useful as anti- lead, or even a Swords Dance sweeper. There are reasons why Drapion is in RU though. Newer threats that have improved this generation, such as Gliscor, outclass it. It also lacks recovery outside of leftovers and Rest. Don't let this stop you from using it though, as Drapion is one of the fastest, if no the fastest, user of Toxic Spikes in the game.
Specially Defensive Toxic Spikes
Item: Black Sludge
Ability: Battle Armor
Nature: Careful
EVs: 248 HP / 244 SpD / 16 Spe
- Toxic Spikes
- Taunt
- Crunch
- Whirlwind
This is a slightly modified version of Smogon's Specially Defensive set. Black Sludge is the preferred item as it makes users of Trick and Switcheroo not get away with switching items without being punished. Battle Armor is used so the opponent can't land and crit, as this set focuses on defense. As Drapion already has an impressive defense stat, there's no real need to invest in it, so fucus on HP and Special Defense. This allows Drapion to take hits from Cofagrigus and other ghosts in RU easily. 16 Spe allows Drapion to Taunt Crawdaunt and Omastar before they use Dragon Dance and Shell Smash. Toxic Spikes and Whirlwind are the two most important moves on the set. The idea is to set up Toxic Spikes, preferably two layers if you get the chance, then whirlwind the opponent away, poisoning the next Pokemon if it isn't a Flying-, Poison-, or Steel-type. Clefable makes a good partner, as it can Sponge attacks from Moltres who can be a problem, and set up Stealth Rock, further making use of Whirlwind. Crunch ensures that Drapion isn't Taunt bait, and can really hurt Rotom.
Swords Dance
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Sniper
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Crunch
- Aqua Tail
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance
Drapion has a usable base 90 Attack to back its good speed. Swords Dance boosts it to higher levels. Crunch is the main STAB move, and OHKOs the standard 252 HP / 104 Def Dusknoir OHKO's even the bulkiest of Slowking, will at least 2HKO max HP and Defense Cofagrigus, and 2HKOs Spiritomb, all after a Swords Dance. Just be careful about the later two, as they commonly carry Will-O-Wisp, and the extra turn that the 2HKO gives will give them a chance to use it, and will cripple Drapion. Also be careful about spamming it, as Justified Gallade would love to switch into it. Aqua Tail is mainly for Sandslash and Rhydon, who can take all of Drapion's other attacks. Earthquake gives Drapion neutral coverage (I think), and OHKOs Aggron.
Other Options
Torment can screw with the Defensive Ghosts that run amok in RU, especially Cofagrigus. You could also run a set that focuses on Critical hits with Swords Dance, Cross Poison, Night Slash, a coverage move, and Scope Lens, but relying on luck is unreliable. Speaking of Drapion's Poison STAB, it also get Poison Jab, but it has bad coverage, and its only notable target is Tangrowth, who is only 2HKO'd after Swords dance, which give it the chance to retaliate with Earthquake. X-Scissor only provides redundant coverage, as most of it potential target are already hit hard by Crunch. Brick Break can be used to hit opposing Dark-types, so it could be used over Earthquake, but most of them are already hit hard by Earthquake and Aqua Tail anyway. Drapion also has access to the elemental fangs, but they are generally too weak.
Counters
ResTalk Polwrath is the best Drapion counter out there. It can recover from Toxic Spikes and damage by using rest, and phaze Drapion with Circle Throw. Aerodactyl and Archeops are also good counter, as they can come in on Earthquake for free, outrun, and KO with their own Earthquake.