A couple of years ago, the Miami Dolphins took a big swing on a sleeper pick.
They selected De’Von Achane in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and it didn’t take long before the running back made his presence felt.
He averaged 7.8 yards per carry as a rookie, bursting his way through the gaps of the defense and piling up big gains.
He took a bit of a step back in his second season, his first as a starter.
Though he averaged a decent 4.5 yards per carry and finished the year with 907 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, his performance was slightly disappointing.
That’s why he’s reportedly determined to get to the next level.
According to head coach Mike McDaniel, Achane looks like a man on a mission right now.
“What I’m seeing day in, day out through the five weeks we’ve been together in this offseason program, is a guy that wants to take his game to the next level,” McDaniel said, via FinsXtra.
🗣️ Mike McDaniel on De'Von Achane: "What I'm seeing day in, day out through the five weeks we've been together in this off-season programme, is a guy that wants to take his game to the next level." #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/gDp9PfAUYg
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) May 28, 2025
To be fair, the Dolphins’ once-explosive offense regressed as a whole last season.
It had plenty to do with Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, but perhaps other teams caught up to McDaniel’s trickery.
Whatever the case, Achane has the body of work, speed and skills to be one of the most explosive running backs in the league.
He should continue to be Miami’s starter, and even if the Dolphins wind up trading star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, they should bounce back after a somewhat dismal offensive campaign.
The door is open for a breakout, and Achane can prove that his rookie success wasn’t a fluke.
NEXT: Tyreek Hill Sounds Off On Bills Fans