While it’s only the start of the 2023 offseason programs for all 32 NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, fantasy football players are gearing up for their draft and league years.
Many won’t draft until August or the first week in September, but that doesn’t mean there’s not preparation and research needed to be done earlier to give players a leg up on their competition.
Pro Football Focus’ Jonathon Macri has already begun his ranking and tiers for positions, and at running back, he has three Dolphins on his list. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are Nos. 41 and 47, respectively, in the “Mid-Tier Handcuff Options” tier. That would make them flex options in most 12-team leagues.
“Raheem Mostert is likely the only back in this group who doesn’t really fit the handcuff label, as he should be considered the favorite to start the year for Miami, but there’s a bit more ambiguity surrounding the usage in that group,” Macri wrote. “Mostert is certainly capable of handling a decent workload, but the Dolphins also added Devon Achane in the third round of the draft and may want to get him involved as well. As a team that showed less tendency to run the ball last season, the potential for touches just doesn’t line up enough to move Mostert much higher in the rankings.
Achane may emerge later in the season as Miami’s lead back, but for now, patience is needed before investing too heavily in the rookie out of Texas A&M.”
Further below them is Jeff Wilson Jr., who finds himself ranked at No. 63 and a part of the “Top Free Agents and Limited Roles” tier.
Miami does have a lot of talent in their backfield, but the usage last year wasn’t enough. Head coach Mike McDaniel did say that he plans to commit to running the ball more often in 2023, but the split workload still should be a cause for concern for dynasty players considering Dolphins backs.
Those playing in dynasty formats should probably take a long look at Achane, especially in PPR leagues, as he could be a versatile piece that could absolutely take on a larger role in the next few seasons.
