The Miami Dolphins have built a reputation for their explosive offense in recent seasons, mostly driven by the success of Tua Tagovailoa’s accuracy, Tyreek Hill’s electric speed, and Jaylen Waddle’s versatility. But underneath the high-flying passing game lies a foundation that could tilt the entire balance of their attack in 2025: the emergence of a dynamic young running back who’s turning heads across the league. As the NFL gears up for another grueling season, insiders and analysts have begun circling five running backs as prime breakout candidates — and among them is Dolphins youngster De’Von Achane, a name that’s quickly becoming difficult to ignore.
Achane, drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, brought with him a resume that spoke volumes. A former track star at Texas A&M, he was one of the fastest players in his draft class, and his college tape showcased not just speed, but vision, balance, and the kind of toughness that belied his size. Though his rookie year was sprinkled with both moments of brilliance and stretches marred by injuries, the flashes were unmistakable. He averaged over 7 yards per carry during stretches of the 2023 season, and even when the Dolphins leaned on Raheem Mostert, Achane consistently produced in limited touches.
What makes Achane such a fascinating candidate for a breakout year in 2025 isn’t just his raw ability—it’s the context. He finds himself in a system that thrives on space and speed. Mike McDaniel’s offense is designed to spread defenses out and use misdirection to exploit lanes. The scheme mirrors much of what Achane thrived in at Texas A&M, and it’s no accident the Dolphins targeted him. Heading into his third year, he now has a full grasp of the playbook, a better understanding of NFL defensive schemes, and perhaps most importantly, a clear lane to more volume.
The depth chart does contain other talented backs, including the always-dangerous Mostert and promising rookie Jaylen Wright, but it’s Achane who has the blend of experience and upside that makes him the most likely to explode statistically. Mostert, though productive, is aging and has dealt with his fair share of injuries. The Dolphins will want to keep him fresh for later in the year, which opens the door for Achane to handle the lion’s share of early down and explosive play opportunities. His pass-catching abilities also give him a role on third downs, allowing him to stay on the field in all situations.
Several factors point to this being a special season for Achane. First is his natural development. The leap from Year 1 to Year 2 is well documented as the most important for many NFL players, particularly at the running back position where instincts and familiarity with the offense are critical. While he showed flashes in his rookie year, Achane was still learning the tempo of the professional game, adapting to pass protection responsibilities, and handling the physicality of NFL defenders. With that year of experience under his belt, he’s entering training camp with a higher level of confidence and a better understanding of how to pace himself for a full season of productivity.
Then there’s the state of the Dolphins’ offensive line. Miami invested heavily this offseason in both free agency and the draft to shore up protection. Terron Armstead’s return to full health, along with the addition of a young interior lineman in the draft, has solidified the trenches. Improved blocking up front will open up more consistent lanes for Achane to exploit. His acceleration means he doesn’t need gaping holes—just a crack of daylight, and he’s gone.
One of the most underrated aspects of Achane’s game is his ability to turn negative plays into positives. His short-area quickness allows him to change direction behind the line and slip through alternate gaps before defenders can react. That’s a skillset that pairs beautifully with McDaniel’s motion-heavy, zone-blocking scheme. If defenses over-pursue, as they often do against the Dolphins’ speed-heavy formations, Achane can plant his foot and explode the other way. In practice, this leads to high efficiency and fewer wasted downs—something coaches absolutely love.
Statistically, Achane is projected by many analysts to cross the 1,000-yard mark on the ground for the first time in his career, with an additional 300-400 yards through the air. But beyond the numbers, his impact could reshape how defenses approach the Dolphins. Opponents already have to devote safety help to cover Hill and Waddle deep, which often leaves light boxes for the run game. If Achane takes advantage of those favorable fronts, it will force defensive coordinators to make difficult choices: either pull safeties down to stop the run, leaving the deep game vulnerable, or keep the current alignment and risk being gashed on the ground. Either way, Achane’s rise could serve as the fulcrum that makes Miami’s offense unstoppable.
There’s also the motivational aspect. Achane knows this is a crucial year for him personally. Running backs have a notoriously short shelf life in the NFL. Breakout seasons can be the difference between becoming a featured back with a second contract or fading into rotational status. Achane’s work ethic has never been in question, and by all accounts, he’s taken the offseason seriously—working with speed trainers, strength coaches, and spending additional time in the film room.
He also has the trust of the coaching staff. McDaniel has spoken glowingly about Achane’s maturity and growth. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith mentioned during minicamp that Achane’s route-running has improved significantly, a sign the team is planning to utilize him more heavily in the passing game. If he becomes more than just a checkdown option—perhaps running wheels, angle routes, or even lining up in the slot on occasion—then his total touch count will rise dramatically.
It’s worth remembering that the best breakout seasons are often about timing as much as talent. The right player in the right scheme with the right opportunity can create something special. That’s exactly the position Achane is in. Miami’s schedule also favors a fast start, with several early-season matchups against teams that ranked in the bottom third in run defense last year. If Achane can capitalize early, the confidence will build, the usage will increase, and the league will start to take notice.
The NFL has always had a fascination with explosive playmakers, and Achane fits the mold of modern stars like Deebo Samuel or Alvin Kamara—guys who don’t fit the traditional size profile of a workhorse back but make up for it with versatility and game-breaking potential. While Achane may never carry the ball 25 times a game, he doesn’t have to. With just 15–18 touches per game, he can still produce 100+ yards and a touchdown, thanks to his efficiency and explosive play rate.
