The Miami Dolphins are a bit of a mess and that could be putting it lightly. They just traded one of their best defensive players, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and perhaps their most productive offensive player in tight end Jonnu Smith. Both were shipped to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week leaving the team with more holes to fill.
While those players need to be replaced, it also means that existing players need to step up. On offense, of course quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has to stay healthy and they’ll need more from wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. But, they also could use a boost from running back De’Von Achane, who recently earned an Honorable Mention on ESPN’s “Execs, coaches, scouts rank NFL’s top 10 running backs for 2025” list.
One AFC executive told ESPN that Achane is indeed a dynamic playmaker.
“Elite speed and explosion,” the executive said. “Could wear down because he’s small. Similar to [Detroit Lions‘ Jahmyr] Gibbs. He just gets banged up. Runs very hard for how small he is and should get out on the perimeter more as a pass catcher.”
More? You’d think they hardly threw the ball to him based on that comment.
Achane was quite impressive in 2024, starting 16 games and rushing for 907 yards and six touchdowns. But, that doesn’t come close to telling the entire story, he also caught 78 balls for another 592 yards and six touchdowns. And, that was just in his second year in the NFL, so it’s unclear why that executive thinks 78 receptions isn’t enough.
Achane could be the Dolphins best building block
The Dolphins are reportedly preparing to increase Achane’s workload. At 5’9″ and 188 lbs., that might not be a hot idea. He’s not that big and he registered 1,499 scrimmage yards last year. He’s already getting used quite a bit.
As noted by Evan Cormier of Heavy, Achane was recently named as the Dolphins’ best building block by Bleacher Report.
“Jaylen Wright could see an expanded role following Raheem Mostert’s departure in free agency. Seventh-year veteran Alexander Mattison and rookie sixth-rounder Ollie Gordon II could contribute to the rotation, but Achane will be the most explosive player in the Dolphins backfield,” Moe Moton wrote.
Achane is explosive, we know that, but they are going to have to get him some help if they are going make the playoffs or – gasp! – compete for the AFC East division title. An increase in usage is fine as long as his wheels don’t fall off Week 10.
“Now due for a more significant workload, Achane is a strong candidate to be one of the league leaders in scrimmage yards and touchdowns,” Moton concludes.
Who else is on this ESPN list?
For the most part, ESPN’s list is solid. And it’s not just them throwing darts at the wall, they polled a number of league executives, coaches and scouts. So, it’s fun to pin the blame on ESPN for a lot of things, but this isn’t one of them.
1. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
2. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
3. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
4. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
5. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (seriously?)
6. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
7. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
8. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
9. Joe Mixon, Houston Texans
10. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
While Achane could have been considered to crack the top 10 (technically, he was “considered”), it’s understandable that he didn’t. But, big numbers in this offense are very possible for a running back. It was just in 2023 that Raheem Mostert led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 18 and added another three through the air. So, it can be done.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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