Miami Dolphins star running back De'Von Achane was ranked surprisingly low in ESPN's positional ranking.
Miami Dolphins star running back De'Von Achane was ranked surprisingly low in ESPN's positional ranking.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler compiled a list by NFL executives, coaches and scouts, ranking the top running backs heading into the 2026 season.
They ranked Achane at No. 8 in the list, despite being one of the best and most explosive players at his position.
"Achane's production in his first three NFL seasons -- amassing more than 4,300 scrimmage yards -- makes him hard to ignore. 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)."
Achane is considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. He is highly valued for his elite speed, playmaking ability, and skills at the position.
The 24-year-old has dual-threat capabilities that have made him a nightmare for defenses in space. In such a short amount of time, the running back has established himself as a star not only at his position but overall.
Achane is certainly a top back in the league, and the numbers prove that. He was better in certain categories when compared to the top two backs in that list: Falcons’ Bijan Robinson and Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Pro Bowl running back had more rushing yards than Gibbs and more yards per carry with 5.7 than Robinson and Gibbs. Achane did have less rushing carries and receptions compared to the two; however, he did play in one fewer game.
Nonetheless, Achane has all the tools every star back needs to be among the best in the league.
The 2025 season was a breakout year for Achane, and the best of his three-year career. He finished with 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, while also adding 67 receptions for 488 yards and four receiving scores.
The Texas native has quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker in a short amount of time.
The Dolphins selected Achane in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 84 overall pick out of Texas A&M, and he immediately emerged as a fan favorite during his rookie campaign.
Now, as he is set to enter his fourth season, Achane will be the focal point of the entire offense.
All eyes will be on Achane, as he has a chance to prove that his No. 8 ranking will be viewed as a mistake once the 2026 season is all said and done.
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