​The lull that sits between organized team activities and training camp tends to be a quiet stretch for NFL teams, serving as a kind of breathing room for front offices, coaching staffs, and players to unwind before the grind of the season resumes. For the media, though, it’s a prime window to regroup, analyze, and project how teams and individuals will fare in the months ahead. With that in mind, Pro Football Focus unveiled its updated rankings for the league’s 32 starting running backs as the 2026 season approaches, and Miami Dolphins back De’Von Achane earned a notable spot in the top five.
PFF’s assessment places Achane at No. 5 among the league’s starting runners for 2026. The evaluation highlights his elite speed, noting that Achane “is one of the fastest players in the NFL, which makes him a threat to score whenever he touches the ball.” The article points to his big-play ability, citing 24 carries of at least 15 yards, the most in the league among running backs, and a 46.1% breakaway rate, the highest mark in the category for 2025. Those numbers underscore why Achane has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in Miami’s lineup and a focal point of the offense moving forward.
The hierarchy in PFF’s ranking shows four players ranked ahead of Achane: Christian McCaffrey at No. 4, Derrick Henry at No. 3, Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 2, and Bijan Robinson at No. 1. Debating Achane’s placement above these established veterans and rising stars is a natural conversation, but the consensus in the article suggests a close evaluation of Achane’s impact, his versatility, and his continued development as a dual threat out of the backfield. While Achane’s ascent is impressive, many observers would argue that it’s difficult to definitively place him above some of the game’s most proven or established young talents, given the sample sizes and varying offensive schemes involved.
The 2026 season will represent a critical juncture for Achane. He recently signed an extension with the Dolphins, signaling the organization’s intent to build the offense around him as a central figure. The challenge for Miami will be to maintain and perhaps elevate the level of play that he demonstrated in 2025, a year that culminated in his first Pro Bowl appearance. Sustaining that momentum will require continued improvement in multiple areas, including pass protection, route running, and consistency as a receiver out of the backfield, all while the Dolphins balance a diversified offensive attack with the run game’s growing importance.
Achane’s performance last season suggests a path to ongoing success, but the road ahead is not guaranteed. The Dolphins will rely on him to be a catalyst in both the ground game and in the short- to intermediate-passing game, leveraging his speed to stretch defenses and create explosive plays. The expectations are high, and the responsibility falls on Achane to refine his craft, adapt to defenses’ adjustments, and stay healthy across a demanding schedule. If he can replicate or exceed his 2025 impact, Achane has a realistic chance of not only maintaining a top-five standing in future rankings but potentially pushing into the top tier of running backs in the league.
Dolphins fans and NFL followers will be watching closely as Achane enters 2026 with fresh expectations after his breakout season and new contract. Will he emerge as the league’s most dynamic playmaker out of the backfield? Can he sustain the kind of effectiveness that led to a Pro Bowl selection? Only time will tell, but the trajectory suggests that Achane is operating at a high level and that Miami’s offense intends to maximize his talents as they navigate the coming season.
This analysis and ranking sparked ongoing conversations about where Achane fits among the sport’s elite, and the debate will continue as the season unfolds. For a deeper look into Achane’s strengths, growth areas, and how the Dolphins might deploy him in 2026, read further into PFF’s assessment and the surrounding expert commentary. This coverage originated on Dolphins Wire with the headline: Where does Dolphins RB De’Von Achane rank in PFF’s 2026 RB rankings?