The Miami Dolphins didn’t make their first selection of the 2023 NFL draft until the second round, but it was their third-round pick that really shined as a rookie.
At No. 84 overall, Miami selected Texas A&M running back De’Von Achane to join a running back room that, at the time, featured returning running backs Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed. The Dolphins then also added another player to the group in Chris Brooks as an undrafted free agent.
While Mostert ended up being the team’s lead back and breaking the franchise’s record for both rushing and total touchdowns in a season, Achane’s brilliance shined in his opportunities.
In 11 games, the former Aggie rushed for 800 yards and eight touchdowns on an incredible 7.8 yards per attempt. He also added another 197 yards and three scores on 27 receptions.
That includes a game against the New England Patriots in Week 2 where he had two touches with the coaches acclimating him to the NFL and a battle against the Las Vegas Raiders where he only saw one touch due to injury.
With the end of the season upon us, ESPN has put out their rankings of top-10 rookies from the 2023 season, and Achane came in at No. 10.
Here’s what they had to say about the running back:
“The Dolphins’ third-rounder was one of the league’s most electric players when healthy, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. Achane also acquitted himself nicely as a receiving option out of the backfield, tying Robinson for the most receiving touchdowns by a rookie back (three).”
Ahead of Achane on this list were C.J. Stroud, Puka Nacua, Jalen Carter, Sam LaPorta, Devon Witherspoon, Will Anderson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Jordan Addison.
Heading into 2024, Achane should be taking on a larger role in the offense, and if he stays on the field, he could be a candidate for the league’s Offensive Player of the Year aware.