De’Von Achane Is the Speed Engine Driving the Dolphins-and He’s Just Getting Started
Right now, there might not be a more electrifying running back in the NFL than De’Von Achane. The Dolphins’ third-year back isn’t just fast-he’s redefining what speed and efficiency look like at the position.
Over the past month, Achane has been on a tear, racking up 520 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 72 carries. That’s a blistering 7.2 yards per attempt, and yes, you read that right.
He’s not just hitting home runs-he’s turning routine handoffs into highlight reels.
What makes Achane’s rise even more impressive is how he's doing it. Sure, Miami’s run blocking has taken a step forward, but Achane’s open-field vision, burst, and ability to make defenders miss are what truly set him apart.
He’s not just benefiting from good scheme-he’s elevating it. At just 5'9", 191 pounds, he’s not supposed to be this effective between the tackles, but time and again, he’s proving that size is just a number when you’ve got elite instincts, toughness, and that extra gear.
And speaking of speed-Achane knows exactly what he brings to the table. When asked who’d win a 100-meter race between himself, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, he didn’t flinch: he picked himself.
That’s not just confidence. That’s the mindset of a player who believes he’s the fastest man on one of the fastest offenses in football.
And honestly? He might be right.
Let’s not forget: Achane was a track star at Texas A&M, specializing in the 100m and 200m. His acceleration isn’t just game-speed-it’s Olympic-caliber.
And in Mike McDaniel’s offense, which is built around creating space and letting playmakers fly, that speed isn’t just a luxury. It’s the foundation.
Since McDaniel took the reins in Miami, the Dolphins have made team speed their identity. The Tyreek Hill trade.
The commitment to Waddle. The draft-day excitement when Achane’s name was called.
It’s all part of the same blueprint: overwhelm defenses with pace, spacing, and explosiveness. And right now, no one embodies that vision better than Achane.
But this isn’t just about speed. Achane’s production is backed by real efficiency and durability-two things that don’t always come with smaller backs.
Despite taking on more punishment as both a runner and pass-catcher (he’s got 55 receptions on the year), he’s showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, he seems to be getting stronger as the season rolls on.
And the advanced metrics back it up. Achane ranks second in the league in rush EPA (expected points added), a stat that measures the impact of each run on a team’s scoring potential.
What’s wild is that he’s doing this despite having the second-lowest success rate among the top 15 backs in that category. Translation: even when the play isn’t blocked perfectly, Achane is still finding ways to create big plays.
He’s manufacturing yards out of thin air-and that’s the kind of thing you can’t coach.
For McDaniel, who built his reputation on creative run-game design, Achane is the perfect weapon. He’s the kind of back who can turn a simple outside zone into a 40-yard sprint. He fits the system like a glove, but he also elevates it to something more dangerous.
Looking ahead, Achane becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason. And with Tyreek Hill’s injury clouding his future in Miami, the Dolphins have a clear opportunity to lock in their next offensive cornerstone. If Achane keeps this up, there’s a strong case to be made that he deserves to be the highest-paid running back in the league.
He’s not just a breakaway threat. He’s not just a track guy playing football.
De’Von Achane is a complete weapon-one who’s proving week after week that he belongs in the conversation with the league’s elite. And if the Dolphins are smart, they’ll build around him for years to come.