​The Miami Dolphins may have shed many of their veteran talents in recent months as a new regime takes the reins, but they still boast a cadre of promising young players to build around for the future. Leading that group is running back De’Von Achane, who recently checked in at No. 21 on CBS Sports’ ranking of the 25 players age 25 and under entering the 2026 NFL season.
Despite tearing the organization down to its studs around him this offseason, the Dolphins stood firm in keeping De’Von Achane, and few would fault that decision. As Tyler Sullivan noted, Achane is one of the league’s most electrifying talents and is poised to become the centerpiece of Miami’s offense in 2026. The list of players who ranked above him—Bijan Robinson, Puka Nacua, Penei Sewell, Drake Maye, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Will Anderson, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Jahmyr Gibbs, Devon Witherspoon, Brock Bowers, Kyle Hamilton, Christian Gonzalez, Jared Verse, Quinyon Mitchell, Derek Stingley, Jalen Carter, George Pickens, Drake London, and Trent McDuffie—serves as a testament to the high bar Achane now faces. Completing the top 25 were Cooper DeJean, Sauce Gardner, Joe Alt, and Colston Loveland.
In his three NFL seasons, Achane has piled up impressive numbers: 3,057 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns on a 5.6-yard average per carry, along with 172 receptions for 1,277 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. When it comes to multi-purpose backs, Achane stacks up with the best in the league right now. The 2026 season, however, represents a critical opportunity for him to demonstrate that he can serve as the focal point of an offense and lead Miami’s attack with a consistent, pivotal role.
This analysis underscores that Achane’s value extends beyond raw rushing totals. His ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield and create big plays as a dual-threat weapon makes him a unique asset in today’s NFL, where versatile backs are increasingly prized. For the Dolphins, keeping Achane amid a youthful core signals a strategic bet on his continued development and potential as a face of the franchise as they navigate the post-regime transition era.
The original piece noted this perspective in the context of a Dolphins Wire feature, highlighting Achane’s status among players 25 and under and the significance of his 2026 opportunity. As Miami continues to refine its roster and system, Achane’s performance will be closely watched to determine whether he can elevate his role from a standout contributor to a defining leader of the offense.