Devon Achane (Dolphins) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Analysis
Devon Achane was one of the fastest Running Backs in the draft, and that’s precisely why the Dolphins decided to grab him in the third round. Achane was the sixth Running Back off the board at 84th overall.
Now at first glance, it may seem like a bad landing spot, since the Dolphins have been rotating backs for a few years now. They currently have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr, Salvon Ahmed, and Myles Gaskin, all of who have flashed at some point (albeit briefly for Ahmed and Gaskin).
But on closer inspection, it might actually be one of the better places for Achane to land. Mostert and Wilson Jr have been injury-riddled throughout their career, and Ahmed and Gaskin really aren’t a ton of threat to take carries if Achane performs well.
Mostert, when asked, said that opposing defenses are going to have a hard time keeping up with Achane and the Dolphins’ speed. When you think about it, they already have three of the fastest players in the NFL. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are obviously speedsters, and Mostert has always been known for his speed as well. Now add Achane (who ran a 4.32 40-yard dash), and this offense is going to be scary fast.
If that’s the game plan the Dolphins have, Achane will be used plenty in his rookie season. He also is a good pass catcher, so he may be utilized there as well.
Worst case Achane doesn’t perform well and finds himself slipping behind Ahmed and Gaskin. But I believe the Dolphins will use his skillset early and often. Most likely Achane splits work with Mostert and Wilson Jr to start, but is one injury away from a ton of work.
I wouldn’t spend a ton on him in fantasy, but he is another intriguing late-round addition as a potential PPR monster or solid handcuff.
Devon Achane NFL Draft Preview
One of the more intriguing Running Back prospects of the draft, Devon Achane comes in with a wide variety of experience and skills but also with a bit of a size issue. Now that didn’t stop him from having a productive college career, but the NFL is a whole different beast.
Achane played all three college years at Texas A&M, and really took over the lead role as a sophomore. In his sophomore year, Achane rushed 130 times for 910 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for 261 yards, a nice 10-yard per catch average. In his junior season, Achane rushed 196 times for 1102 yards and eight touchdowns. That season he caught 36 passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns.
Overall Achane finished his college career with 369 carries for 2376 yards and 23 touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 ypc. He also was a key kick returner, returning 20 kicks for 613 yards and two touchdowns.
He was an All-SEC First Team Running Back and All-Purpose Player in 2022 and ran track for Texas A&M for two years.
Achane, probably due to his speed, rushing, catching, and kick return skills, is currently predicted to be drafted later in the second round, although he could slip further.
Ok Devon Achane. I see you. I do. pic.twitter.com/3Rd25DhQAl
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) February 17, 2023
Measurables
- 5’8″ 188 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.32 seconds
- Vertical jump – 33″
- 10-yard split – 1.51 seconds
🚀🚀🚀
4.32 for Devon Achane!
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 5, 2023
POSITIVES
By far Achane’s biggest positive is his speed. He had one of the best 40 times in the draft class. He runs hard and hits holes in the offensive line with such speed that opposing linebackers struggle to meet him in time.
He has quick feet that allow him to make quick movements to beat defenders. He also has the breakaway speed to get past defenders on the edge and go for big plays.
Achane has decent pass-catching abilities and once again his speed will make him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders.
He has good experience with kick-returning, making him a valuable asset to any NFL team.
His small size, although a negative at times, also makes him shifty and harder to see behind the massive offensive linemen.
After Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, is Devon Achane the RB3???? pic.twitter.com/Fl1BafoF9s
— John “Supi” Supowitz (@ImThatSupi) February 26, 2023
NEGATIVES
100% size is Achane’s biggest negative. Coming in at only 5’8″ and 188 lbs, Achane isn’t one to break many tackles through sheer strength.
Achane also struggles in pass blocking and picking up blitzes, once again due to his smaller stature (I don’t care who you are, a 188 lb guy is not going to stop a 6′ 250 lb linebacker flying in on the Quarterback.
There are some injury concerns solely due to how he will hold up at his size in the NFL. He also probably won’t be utilized as a three-down back, and will probably be relegated to kick returns and change of pace work at first.
GRADE – C+
It’s hard to fault a guy for being smaller, but in today’s NFL it’s just tough to be a small Running Back and make a long career out of it.
Achane’s biggest addition to any team will be his speed, making him a tough matchup in space and as a pass-catcher, figuring NFL teams will find plays that will show Achane’s big play ability.
Achane may never be a workhorse back, but he does have enough skill to be a useful weapon in multiple facets of the offense.
Happily married father of two boys. I love all sports, although prefer watching them since I’m a wildly mediocre athlete. And that’s why I write fantasy football articles! I’ve been writing for Fantasyfootballcalculator for over six years now. Besides that, I enjoy watching Badger football and basketball even though it raises my blood pressure. In my downtime, I enjoy traveling with my family, playing video games with friends, and golfing.
