The Miami Dolphins could be relying too heavily on De'Von Achane, which could be a major problem.
The Miami Dolphins don't have many sure things on offense going for them entering the 2026 season, outside of Pro Bowl running back De'Von Achane.
They are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league, and their schedule does them zero favors as well. Nonetheless, they have a star in Achane that could help them exceed the expectations that the media has bestowed upon them.
The 24-year-old is set to enter the season as the focal point of the offense – and, to an extent, not entirely by choice. Miami has undergone a significant roster overhaul this offseason, and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan made it clear that he believed in Achane from the jump.
As currently constructed, the Dolphins' wide receiver room appears to be among the least proven in the NFL, while other areas of the offense remain surrounded by uncertainty.
Miami's wide receivers are expected to be the worst unit in the entire league. Most, if not all of them, are unproven. The core of that group, which could consist of Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell, has not recorded a season of more than 610 receiving yards.
That group has combined for 3,168 receiving yards over 11 NFL seasons. A core led by those three with those types of numbers is not going to do that job.
Tolbert and Atwell could be the shining spots in the room, but there is no guarantee they will emerge as a true WR1.
This leaves Achane. He has not only shown his running prowess, but can also catch and run.
The 24-year-old is one of the few established playmakers on the roster, and unless others emerge, Miami could find itself leaning too heavily on the former Texas A&M Aggie throughout the 2026 season.
Time will tell, as it is uncertain if that will be the case, especially before training camp. However, if push comes to shove for Miami, they could have no other option but to count on Achane more times than not.
If so, that may be a recipe for disaster for the Dolphins. For starters, they’d become one-dimensional without an established passing game. Achane may be relied on too heavily to take on the role of a rusher and pass catcher.
Another aspect of the offense is the offensive line. Despite having established talent, the unit as a whole has some big question marks.
Kadyn Proctor is expected to take the left guard position, but he is still a rookie heading into his first season in the NFL. That alone can come with some struggles.
The Dolphins do have standouts in Aaron Brewer and Patrick Paul, but the rest of the unit has struggled with depth, consistency, and injuries.
If they plan to utilize Achane in a bigger way, Jonah Savaiinaea will need to shake off his worst-rated 2025 play, and Austin Jackson will need to stay on the field.
Last season, Achane had a career high in rushing attempts at 238. There is a great chance he surpasses that number in 2026 and then some. He has already dealt with injuries, including a minor soft-tissue strain, a rib bruise, and a shoulder injury.
If Achane misses any extended time for whatever reason, the Dolphins would find themselves in an even deeper hole than they already are, given how heavily the offense is expected to rely on him moving forward.
