De'Von Achane may be entering the season with fewer easy answers around him, but that only sharpens the spotlight on what he can do. Last year was good enough to earn his first Pro Bowl nod, yet it still didn’t push him onto a lot of “Best of” lists. Now, with the Miami Dolphins in the middle of a full roster overhaul, the expectations around him are lower - and that could make his production stand out even more.
The challenge is obvious. Since coming to Miami, Achane has benefited from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle stretching defenses wide.
That kind of help won’t be there in the same way this year. Even so, NFL.com’s Nick Shook still put him on his “All-Under 25 Team,” slotting him in as the top “Flex” choice.
“Achane has matched the reputation that followed him from Texas A&M,” Shook said. “Proving to be one of the most explosive, must-watch skill players in the NFL.”
That versatility is the whole point with Achane. Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs took the two running back spots, but Achane’s value goes beyond a simple position label. He can hurt defenses as a runner and as a receiver, and that two-way impact is exactly why he belongs in that kind of conversation.
His 2025 numbers will be tough to duplicate. He rushed for 1,300-plus yards, added 67 catches for 488 yards, and scored eight rushing touchdowns along with four more through the air.
With the roster changing around him, matching all of that looks difficult. Still, repeating his receiving production feels well within reach.
If he does come close again, the offensive line will have done its part. Defenses are expected to attack Miami differently now, crowding the box and trusting their corners to handle the receivers. The Dolphins will have to prove that approach is a mistake.
And that’s where the new identity comes in. Miami is building toward an offense with a much more physical edge, the kind fans in South Florida haven’t seen in more than a decade. The coaching staff wants more force at the line of scrimmage, and Achane is positioned to benefit from it.
There are already early signs of that shift in training camp. Through only four practices, the coaches have been encouraged by what they’ve seen from players running behind Kadyn Proctor and Patrick Paul.
Jaylen Wright said he “Uses them as a shield.” The left side of the line is expected to matter most right away, and for Achane, that could mean a cleaner runway to do what he does best.
With his speed and agility, it may not take long at all for him to remind everyone just how dangerous he is.
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Malik Willis Gives Dolphins Fans An Early Reason To Stay Patient
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For now, the job is less about highlight plays and more about steady progress, which is why the coming weeks matter so much. Willis is still working through that pocket-passing focus as he develops chemistry with teammates, including rookie Caleb Douglas, and the sense around camp is that he is improving without quite being where the Dolphins want him yet. The preseason should provide a better read on how far he can come. [Read more 🡒]