The Miami Dolphins are reportedly one of the front-runners to sign NFL free-agent running back Dalvin Cook. But they might not need him if rookie running back De’Von Achane keeps turning heads with his play in South Beach.
The Dolphins selected Achane, a product of the Texas A&M Aggies football program, with the 84th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Though it’s early in his career, all signs are pointing to the Dolphins landing a steal.
Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is already raving about his new teammate.
“I’ve seen him running between tackles and break tackles and stay on his feet and do a lot of amazing stuff this camp,” Jaylen Waddle said of Achanne, according to Hal Habib of The Palm Beach Post. “I’m like, ‘Man, he’s going to be good.'”
Waddle isn’t the only one impressed. Dolphins safety Brandon Jones compared Achane to legendary former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
“I know he’s going to have a super successful rookie season and just overall career,” Jones said.
Achane ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine and has talent catching the ball out of the backfield.
“He’s very talented,” Dolphins backup quarterback Mike White said. “You can see that from Day 1 when he got here after rookie minicamp. Athletically, he’s very gifted and I think he’s starting to really learn the nuances of the pro game. He’s not a gadgety speed guy.”
It’s a long way to go until the regular season, but Achane could already be somebody to target in fantasy football leagues this fall.
