Miami Dolphins third-round rookie running back De’Von Achane has been an offseason standout for the team, according to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.
“The rookie third-round pick has already looked like one of the Dolphins’ more explosive offensive players — although his practice production should be taken with a grain of salt until the pads go on,” Louis-Jacques wrote. “Even in non-padded team drills, Achane showed prowess as a pass-catcher and home run ability after the catch. It’s a crowded running back room in Miami, but it may not be long before the rookie has a prominent role.”
The Dolphins have several options at running back, as the team re-signed both Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. this offseason. The team also has Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, although Achane is listed ahead of them on the team’s depth chart.
Achane, who played collegiately at Texas A&M University, was the Dolphins’ third-round draft pick this year (84th overall).
At Texas A&M, Achane lit defenses up with his speed, averaging 6.4 yards per carry across three seasons. He put together a 2022 campaign in which he rushed for 1,102 yards while scoring eight rushing touchdowns.
As noted by Louis-Jacques, the speedster is also a proven pass catcher, something he showcased at Texas A&M. Achane made 65 catches for 554 yards in his collegiate career. That could help him get on the field in at least a third-down back role for Miami in the 2023 season.
Miami has a ton of speed on offense with Achane, Mostert, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While Achane may not lead the backfield right away in carries, he seems to be an explosive player that head coach Mike McDaniel will want to get involved from the onset of the regular season.
The Dolphins have been rumored to be interested in former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, who was released this offseason, but the team may not need to add him if it believes in Achane.
After making the playoffs last season, the Dolphins have increased expectations for the 2023 campaign. The team didn’t have quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) in Weeks 17 and 18 of the regular season in 2022 or the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.
With more weapons on offense, the Dolphins could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC this season.
