- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,193,371
- Reaction score
- 59
One of the NFL teams entering a rebuild is the Miami Dolphins. Four years after building around Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, all three are now gone. In their place, the Dolphins have a new quarterback, a revamped wide receiver corps, and a new head coach. It could be a long season, but there is still reason for optimism in Miami.
Much of that optimism rests on the shoulders of explosive running back De’Von Achane. The Dolphins selected Achane in the third round, and he quickly developed into one of the NFL’s top running backs.
If the Dolphins are going to exceed expectations this season, ESPN believes they should lean heavily on their running back room.
MORE: Tyreek Hill’s devastating injury could put his NFL career in serious jeopardy
“The recently extended De’Von Achane is the star of Miami’s offense, and it’s not close. The 2023 third-rounder has scored either 11 or 12 touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons and gained a career-high 1,838 scrimmage yards in 2025. Achane’s elite receiving production is nothing new (he has finished in the top five among backs in targets and receiving yards in each of the past two seasons), but he made another leap forward as a rusher in 2025, finishing fifth in rushing yards. His 5.62 yards per carry is best among qualified backs since he entered the league. Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II add depth.” ESPN reported.
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets safety Isaiah Oliver (26) tackles Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Despite his immediate success as a rookie, Achane earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season. He was one of the few bright spots during a disappointing 2025 campaign for Miami.
That season frustrated ownership enough to trigger a full reset. The Dolphins overhauled the front office, hired a new head coach, and tore down much of the roster. Now, Jeff Hafley takes over one of the league’s most challenging rebuilding projects.
MORE: Patrick Peterson says Kyler Murray found his last best chance with Minnesota Vikings
Still, don’t expect the Dolphins to fold. If anything, expect them to follow ESPN’s advice and lean heavily on Achane.
Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs for a gain past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish (25) and linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Through his first three NFL seasons, Achane has averaged roughly 238 offensive touches per year. By comparison, Christian McCaffrey averaged 308 touches per season over his first three years in the league. That’s a difference of about 70 touches per year—roughly an extra season’s workload over a three-year span.
Achane and new quarterback Malik Willis will also likely feature more zone-read concepts. Willis developed into a highly coveted passer this offseason, but he has always been a dangerous athlete with the ball in his hands.
With the preseason just around the corner, Dolphins fans will get their first glimpse of what the team will look like in 2026. Once September arrives, they should expect a heavy dose of Achane.
Continue reading...
Much of that optimism rests on the shoulders of explosive running back De’Von Achane. The Dolphins selected Achane in the third round, and he quickly developed into one of the NFL’s top running backs.
If the Dolphins are going to exceed expectations this season, ESPN believes they should lean heavily on their running back room.
MORE: Tyreek Hill’s devastating injury could put his NFL career in serious jeopardy
“The recently extended De’Von Achane is the star of Miami’s offense, and it’s not close. The 2023 third-rounder has scored either 11 or 12 touchdowns in each of his three NFL seasons and gained a career-high 1,838 scrimmage yards in 2025. Achane’s elite receiving production is nothing new (he has finished in the top five among backs in targets and receiving yards in each of the past two seasons), but he made another leap forward as a rusher in 2025, finishing fifth in rushing yards. His 5.62 yards per carry is best among qualified backs since he entered the league. Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II add depth.” ESPN reported.
You must be registered for see images attach
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets safety Isaiah Oliver (26) tackles Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Despite his immediate success as a rookie, Achane earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season. He was one of the few bright spots during a disappointing 2025 campaign for Miami.
That season frustrated ownership enough to trigger a full reset. The Dolphins overhauled the front office, hired a new head coach, and tore down much of the roster. Now, Jeff Hafley takes over one of the league’s most challenging rebuilding projects.
MORE: Patrick Peterson says Kyler Murray found his last best chance with Minnesota Vikings
Still, don’t expect the Dolphins to fold. If anything, expect them to follow ESPN’s advice and lean heavily on Achane.
You must be registered for see images attach
Dec 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs for a gain past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish (25) and linebacker Lavonte David (54) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Through his first three NFL seasons, Achane has averaged roughly 238 offensive touches per year. By comparison, Christian McCaffrey averaged 308 touches per season over his first three years in the league. That’s a difference of about 70 touches per year—roughly an extra season’s workload over a three-year span.
Achane and new quarterback Malik Willis will also likely feature more zone-read concepts. Willis developed into a highly coveted passer this offseason, but he has always been a dangerous athlete with the ball in his hands.
With the preseason just around the corner, Dolphins fans will get their first glimpse of what the team will look like in 2026. Once September arrives, they should expect a heavy dose of Achane.
Continue reading...
