Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

Miami Dolphins RB De'Von Achane gets major nod over two of the best running backs in the NFL from national outlet

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Craig Smith | Last updated May 25, 2025 1:54 PM ET

2023 saw some teams take a major swing at a difference-making running back early in the NFL Draft. The Atlanta Falcons pulled the trigger on standout Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the 8th overall pick. Four picks later, the Detroit Lions secured versatile Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs. It's not every day you see two running backs taken in the first 12 picks, but it happened.

A few more running backs came off the board over the next round and a half in Seattle's Zach Carbonnet, New Orleans' Kendre Miller, and Tennessee's Tyjae Spears. Then, with the 84th overall pick, the Miami Dolphins selected De'Von Achane out of Texas A&M. It didn't make waves at the time, but it might have been the most saavy pick of the entire draft.

At least Pro Football Focus indicates that's the case. They put out a list of their highest graded player at every position from the 2023 draft, and Achane checked in at the top.

QB: CJ Stroud - 85.2
Edge: Will Anderson Jr - 88.1

The highest-graded player at every position from the 2023 draft classhttps://t.co/JALkiG2bJH
— PFF (@PFF) May 25, 2025

This is what PFF had to say about Achane:

Achane was the next step in the Dolphins’ plan to overrun the NFL with speed. The former Texas A&M running back brought his 98th-percentile speed to an offense that was already littered with game-breaking talent, and Achane took the league by storm in his rookie year. His 92.1 PFF overall grade in year one was the highest among all running backs, and he averaged a hard-to-believe 7.8 yards per carry while scoring 11 touchdowns on 130 touches.

Although his volume hasn’t been as high as that of Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs, Achane has been efficient with his touches, and his 3.6 yards after contact per attempt average since 2023 ranks third among running backs. - Thomas Valentine, Pro Football Focus

Out of all players on the list, Achane had the highest grade at 91.3, second to Rams WR Puka Nacua's 92.1.

Achane's rookie season was indeed one that was unbelievable. He totaled 800 rushing yards on just 103 carries and added 197 yards on 27 catches for an impressive yards per touch average north of 7.5. A knee injury put him on injured reserve and slowed down a ridiculously strong first season for the speedster.

He followed that up with a notable sophomore season in 2024, reaching 1499 total yards from scrimmage (907 rushing, 592 receiving). His 78 catches were third on the team and a key part of helping keep a Dolphins offense that struggled to push the ball down the field moving forward.

The Dolphins have invested on the interior of their offensive line with the additions of two starting guards in veteran James Daniels and rookie Jonah Savaiinaea. If Miami's porous offensive line can take a significant step forward in 2025, then perhaps Achane will find yet another gear in his third professional season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: