The Miami Dolphins have several concerns entering the 2026 season.
Running back is not one of them.
During his three seasons in the NFL, De'Von Achane has established himself as one of the elite players at his position. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler surveyed coaches, scouts and executives to rank the NFL's top 10 running backs, and they agree.
Achane was ranked eighth in the survey.
"Achane's production in his first three NFL seasons -- amassing more than 4,300 scrimmage yards -- makes him hard to ignore," Fowler wrote. "Nearly half of Achane's votes were inside the top five. His 5.62 career yards per rush are the most by any running back in NFL history with a minimum of 500 attempts.
"Achane is the ultimate make-you-miss back. Since entering the league, Achane ranks first in yards after the catch per attempt (3.8)."
De'Von Achane Already an Elite Playmaker
A veteran NFL defensive coach called Achane "an explosive play waiting to happen," according to Fowler, and that couldn't be more accurate. During his rookie season in 2023, Achane set an NFL record by averaging 7.8 yards per carry. After averaging 4.5 yards per carry in 2024, he led the league again in that category last season at 5.7 yards per attempt.
In three seasons, Achane has rushed for 3,057 yards and 22 touchdowns. Last season, he set career highs with 1,350 rushing yards and 67 receptions while scoring 12 total touchdowns.
Bijan Robinson was ranked as the NFL's top running back in the survey. Achane ranked as the AFC's fourth-best running back behind Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry and James Cook.
With so much transition on the Dolphins' roster, Achane could be in line for an even bigger role in 2026. Miami released Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill this offseason and traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos.
Achane is not only one of the NFL's best dual-threat running backs but also one of its most dynamic offensive players. He may have to prove it again if the Dolphins are going to surprise people this season.
