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De'Von Achane - What's His Role In The Offense?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by OwesOwn614, May 15, 2023.

  1. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    I'm super hyped to see what De'Von Achane can bring to our offensive dynamic. I think McDaniel's looking forward to scheming for him, but when I consider his size, he reminds me more of Jakeem Grant than some of the previous players that he's being compared to. And even though I was a Grant fan, I was underwhelmed about his impact on the offense.

    (Please click the link to give this writer credit. We'll see more articles when we visit the sites, even if we read the stories here. https://www.thephinsider.com/2023/5...ys-he-can-do-it-all-in-mike-mcdaniels-offense)

    Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane isn’t worried about his size, says he can do it all in Mike McDaniel’s offense

    Rookie running back De’Von Achane looks to make an impact in year one with the Dolphins.

    By Josh Houtz@houtz May 15, 2023, 7:20am EDT

    For years, the Miami Dolphins filled the running back position with cheap labor and late-round gems. The last rookie running back Miami selected — on day two of the draft— was Alabama’s Kenyan Drake in the third-round back in 2016. Then there was Kalen Ballage, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. But spending a HIGH draft pick on a game-changing running back has not happened for quite some time. And then, it did…

    With the 84th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select…De’Von Achane, running back, Texas A&M


    That’s right! The Dolphins finally drafted a running back on day two and his name is De’Von Achane (AY-Chain) despite every media outlet and beat writer spelling it Devon and pronouncing his last name wrong for the last few weeks.

    “I mean, they’re doing that, so they almost likely call me ‘Devin’ and then I tell them it’s ‘De’Von.’ And then they be like ‘oh…’ And then I tell them how you spell it. And then they be like, ‘okay, I get it now.’”

    Miami’s newest running back met with the media for the first time — in a Dolphins uniform — Friday afternoon and spoke about some of the biggest questions surrounding the 5’9 track star, the most obvious being his small frame.

    “It gets brought up a lot. Like you said, everybody’s got their opinion on me. I don’t worry about what everybody’s got to say because I know what I can do and what I’m capable of, so my size to me doesn’t matter, but it does get brought up.”

    Achane doesn’t see it as a limitation; better yet, he thinks it makes the defense's job that much harder.

    “It benefits me a lot. I’m a much smaller back than usual. I’m shorter. O-line is big, so it’s hard for them to see and like you said, it’s hard for them to tackle me as well because big guys, it’s hard to tackle small guys.”

    He also said he’s been adding weight this offseason, something he could not do in college.

    “I’m actually the heaviest I’ve been right now. I was like 192 when I weighed in this morning. I always knew that I could gain weight. I just didn’t have the full offseason to gain weight because obviously, I was doing track. This is my first year not doing track so I actually had the whole offseason to work out and be in football shape. So it kind of helped me with that.”

    During his three seasons at Texas A&M, Achane carried the ball 369 times for 2,376 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also caught 65 receptions for 554 yards and five touchdowns. And who could forget his 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Alabama? Here’s what Achane had to say about his skill set and what he can do at the next level.


    “I feel like I can play – I’m great on special teams, I can catch the ball out of the backfield, I have very good hands, I can line up at receiver. So I can do more than just play running back. So I feel like that’s what makes me different.”

    Achane’s small size has drawn comparisons to another running back that was similar in build and had #elite speed. But, of course, I’m talking about Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles.

    Yeah, I know who he is. He was one of the shorter backs like I am. Great running back. Like you said, all great running backs don’t have to be big, 6’3”, 6’4”. I feel like he’s a great example of that. So I feel like, like I said, everybody talks about my size, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m good at the size that I am right now.”

    Time will tell how much of an impact Achane will make as a rookie. After all, the Dolphins running back room is currently stacked with veterans Raheem Mostert — coming off his best season — Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin, and Salvon Ahmed. There have also been rumors that the team could acquire Dalvin Cook if the Minnesota Vikings decided to go their separate ways. And yet. Achane’s unique skill set and #elite speed should forge him plenty of opportunities on special teams and as a playmaker in Miami’s backfield.

    Run Achane, Run!

    What are your thoughts on Miami’s rookie running back De’Von Achane? Do you think he will have a prominent role in 2023? What are the chances the team signs Dalvin Cook if the Vikings release him? Are you drafting Achane in your fantasy football leagues? Let us know in the comments section below!
     
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  2. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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    Offensive Rookie of The Year for sure!
     
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  3. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    He's been brought up as a dark horse for ROY. But there's no way he gets the touches in this offense to compare with the anticipated production of likely featured dual threats Bijon Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. Heck, he might not get time with Wilson and Mostert ahead of him. Maybe he was a BPA selection, but he's an intriguing addition.
     
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  4. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I look for him to get some spurts of being the only back on the field..he can catch so there wont be a tell on the field thats why id like to see him get his own reps..

    so I dont see a big role this year.
     
  5. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    We've believed in 'running back by committee' for so long that I doubt that changes, and we do like to have a blocking back out there to help keep Tua upright. So I'm expecting this kid's snaps to be limited in this offense, at least for the first few years.

    On the other hand though, we took him in the 2nd round and our coach was very, very excited when we locked that pick in. So maybe I'm wrong, maybe he becomes a 3-down back in this offense. I just don't see it though unless the line is vastly improved from last year.
     
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  6. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    achane is a late 3rd round pick.
     
  7. KeyFin

    KeyFin Well-Known Member

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    Aah, okay. Thought he was our 2nd rounder. Makes more sense now.
     
  8. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    He was drafted higher than any RB since Kenyan Drake IIRC. That tells me he's going to get time on the field. Just want to know in what capacity. Between him, Mostert and Wilson, we have three guys who can go to the house with just a little space, but I have to believe Achane's role is going to differ from his big brothers'.
     
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  9. Fishhead

    Fishhead Well-Known Member

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    Based on their history, you have to think Wilson and Mostert will miss time with injuries, so Achane might get more touches than you think. He’s also putting on weight this offseason since he’s not running track. He was up to 192 as of very recently.
     
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  10. firedan

    firedan Well-Known Member

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    I think he will be utilized as a third down back catching passes out of the backfield and special teams player this season.
     
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  11. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    I think he will be used in a few ways that Mostert and Wilson cannot.

    For instance, that play Miami loves to run with Tyreek Hill going in motion and running a wheel-type route. I think Achane will do that a couple of times.
     
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  12. Phin McCool

    Phin McCool Well-Known Member

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    I'm ok with him, as long as he keeps moving the (A)chanes.... :sidelol:
     
  13. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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    his role is to score TD's! "all he does is score touchdowns."
     
  14. ExplosionsInDaSky

    ExplosionsInDaSky Well-Known Member

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    Truthfully it comes down to how good the offensive line is and how good of a blocker he can be in passing situations. He gives me Brian Westbrook vibes. We spent a high pick on him. Guys picked in the top 100 usually play to some capacity right away. I for one am super excited about him, but this could be just another wash, rinse, repeat typical thing we see with running backs where they don't really play a lot their rookie season. Personally I think he should play right away if he's good enough.
     
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  15. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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    coach will create some packages for him.
     
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  16. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Yup, achane has the ability to catch the wheel mostert and Wilson have shown multiple times they cannot
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2023
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  17. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

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    I don’t see him actually getting a lot of touches this season. I believe he’s going to worked into the RB1 position next season when we more likely part ways with Moestert and Wilson…

    Unless we somehow pick up Dalvin Cook, then who knows?
     
  18. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    This might answer the question in the title of this thread:

     
    Last edited: May 21, 2023
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  19. Finatik

    Finatik Season Ticket Holder Staff Member Club Member

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    I think it makes sense that he can stay in to chip block and if no one blitzes leak out as a safety valve.
     
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  20. Fishhead

    Fishhead Well-Known Member

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  21. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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  22. Fishhead

    Fishhead Well-Known Member

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    Getting excited, but we have been down this road before as Dolphin fans.

    Maybe we can petition the league to make a 4x4 relay part of the season and/or the playoffs - we would be unbeatable, lol.
     
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  23. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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  24. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I see him as our third down back this year considering Mostert and Wilson can’t threaten down the field in the pass game and this kid can
     
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  25. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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  26. Fishhead

    Fishhead Well-Known Member

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    Coach just needs to get these guys the ball in space and let them turn on the afterburners.
     
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  27. Silverphin

    Silverphin Well-Known Member

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    To put this perspective, Usain Bolt's top recorded speed is 27.33 MPH.

    Achane got wheels.
     
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  28. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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  29. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

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    Don’t really know about Achane’s receiving abilities, but if he’s able to get the ball in the flats with Hill and Waddle clearing the outsides with their blazing speed, Achane could rack up some significant receiving yards
     
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  30. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    He has a few (but not a lot of) nice catches in this lengthy highlight reel. What impresses me is that it looks like A&M ran an outside zone scheme and he has the vision, timing, and quickness that it takes to exceed in it. I'll temper my expectations for now, but I can see why McDaniel was excited to get him.

     
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  31. TheHighExhaulted

    TheHighExhaulted Well-Known Member

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    31 other teams fans are saying the same things about the guys they drafted as you're all saying about Achane. Let's see the guy with pads on against NFL competition.
     
  32. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

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    Players drafted to the NFL always look fantastic against their opposing college team. If you think about it, each side of the ball only has about 5 maybe 6 NFL caliber players. Everyone else, it’s the apex of their football career.

    So when you have an Achane, or any other player who looks dominating, you have to keep in mind that he’s playing against only 5 or 6 NFL caliber players. When they get drafted, now they’re playing against 11 NFL players.

    I’m keeping my expectations realistic but there is the potential there for him to be something very special. Time will tell.
     
  33. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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    Reports are he has WR hands.
     
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  34. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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    offensive rookie of the year for sure
     
  35. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    I'm not thinking he'll be a game changer for us. I believe if used well, he can be a good change of pace. I just wondered why we drafted a speed back into a backfield with plenty of juice. It seems like there has to be a plan to use him differently than we use Mostert and Ahmed, who also can fly. Reports from OTAs are encouraging, but have to be taken with a grain of salt.

    Hopefully, training camp will show him to be the real deal.
     
  36. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    When I watch his LSU highlights, I am surprised he went to the third round.

    I have decided to give my hopes up with Achane and think that by the end of the year he will be the starting RB for the Miami Dolphins and a big part of the offense.
     
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  37. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    Travis talking with Jimbo Fisher.
     
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  38. dolphin25

    dolphin25 Well-Known Member

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    Rookie of the year and MVP
     
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  39. OwesOwn614

    OwesOwn614 Well-Known Member

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    These moments always make me tear up. So many of these young guys wind up in bad situations and don't realize their potential but there's something about seeing them surrounded by loved ones while their years of hard work are acknowledged. I really hope he makes the most of his opportunity.

     
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