After re-signing Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed this offseason, the Miami Dolphins went out and drafted a running back, Texas A&M’s Devon Achane, in the third round – the highest they’ve drafted that position since 2016.
Achane has some real promise to make the roster over Gaskin or Ahmed, and he has a skill set that could make him a real weapon as a rookie despite not being selected until late on Day 2.
Before he steps on the field at Hard Rock Stadium, here are a few things that Dolphins fans should know about their new running back:
Blazing speed
Head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier continued to show their infatuation with fast players on Friday with the pick of Achane.
At this year’s combine, the former Aggie ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash. This was the fastest of any running back and the third fastest overall behind defensive backs DJ Turner II and Jakorian Bennett.
Achane joining an offense that also features Mostert, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle only adds another option to tire out defenses.
Impressive 2022 season
Last year, Achane rushed for a career-high 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry while recording another 196 yards and three touchdowns on a career-high 36 receptions.
On top of that, he also returned 11 kicks for 312 yards and a touchdown, the second of his collegiate career.
The performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors in 2022 over guys like Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs, who was drafted No. 12 by the Detroit Lions.
A friend on the team
Transitioning to the NFL from the college game is always tough, as it’s a very different world. However, having people that you know around can make things easier.
For Achane, he has a friend in Waddle.
During his media availability he spoke about their relationship.
“Me and Jaylen Waddle, we’re really good friends,” he said. “We knew each other since when I was in high school and he was in high school. We both played for AAU basketball … when we were little, so I’ve kind of known him for some time.”
His college coach gushed about him
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher had some very kind things to say about Achane as a football player and what he’ll bring to a team in the NFL.
“Devon is a matchup problem for defenses and special teams,” Fisher said. “He is an all-around football player who just happens to have world-class speed. He has natural ball skills as a receiver and caught a lot of balls for us. He will be a three-down back. He has great patience running between the tackles and people underestimate his strength and balance. He’s a good pass blocker, he’s tough and physical. On special teams, he is a dynamic kick returner. The area that is not talked about when it comes to Devon is his ability to pick things up. He is highly intelligent and is an easy guy to coach. I expect him to be a great professional player.”
