The Miami Dolphins were an offensive power last season, as they put up the most all-purpose yards and were near the top in all offensive stat categories. Looking their way for fantasy players is a good plan, but with a whole stable of strong running backs, should you draft second-year back DeVon Archane in fantasy football? You won’t get a discount, but there is no doubt he has the upside to do great things this season.
Should You Draft DeVon Achane?
- Yahoo ADP: RB12, Overall 21
- Our Rank: RB7, Overall 18 – Half Point PPR
The biggest obstacle for Achane this season will be staying healthy and winning touches from Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright. Last year, various injuries kept Achane off the field for six games. He dealt with a shoulder sprain, knee injury, a setback with the knee after returning, and toe and rib injuries. He ended up adding some weight for this season to help him absorb a bit more punishment.
When he was healthy last season, Achane was an absolute beast. Overall, he rushed 103 times for 800 yards and eight touchdowns for an eye-popping 7.8 yards per attempt. He also caught 27 targets for 197 yards and three more touchdowns. He totaled 130 touches for 997 yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games, with some of those games not played in full.
The Dolphins did re-up Mostert for two more seasons after he put up an amazing 21 touchdowns last season. But, Mostert is 32 years old and has also had plenty of injuries in his career. He also wasn’t as efficient as Achane, who will turn 23 just before the season. If healthy, Achane should take over the lead role in a fast-paced, highly efficient offense.
Bottom Line
- Draft Achane with confidence in the second round.
- Pay for the explosiveness and elite upside.
I’ve debated Achane all off-season. I can understand why many believe he’ll bust, as I know that is firmly in his future.
But we know what the high end of those outcomes looks like, and it’s crazy high. Everything is set up for the second-year back to take over as the lead back despite Mike McDaniel’s opposition to such a thing.
He’s just too good to not see what he can do with a bigger workload in 2024.
