​The Miami Dolphins are shaping their offense around running back De’Von Achane, the team’s 2023 third-round pick who earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season. In the offseason, Miami extended Achane’s contract, signaling that he will be a central figure in the franchise’s rebuild under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. Behind Achane, the Dolphins hope to see continued development from Ollie Gordon II, a talented second-year back who made a noticeable impact as the big back complement to Achane. Gordon’s role last year established him as the power option in the backfield, a pattern the team is expected to lean on again in 2026.
Ollie Gordon II, listed as a 6’2”, 225-pound running back, is entering his second NFL season after being selected in the 2025 draft’s sixth round (179th overall) out of Oklahoma State. He signed a four-year deal worth $4.5 million, with a 2026 cap hit of $1.1 million, according to OverTheCap.com. In his rookie year, Gordon appeared in 17 games with one start, rushing 70 times for 199 yards, scoring three rushing touchdowns, catching seven passes for 32 yards, and adding one receiving touchdown. He carved out a short-yardage, power-running role, delivering a physical presence that complemented Achane’s breakaway speed. Gordon averaged 2.8 yards per carry but converted 21 of his 70 carries into first downs, demonstrating his ability to move the chains in crucial situations. He did not shoulder a heavy workload, reaching double-digit carries only once, yet his impact went beyond traditional yardage totals by providing a dependable, hard-nosed option in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios.
In the Dolphins’ backfield, Gordon’s style contrasts with Achane’s dynamic, explosive playmaking. While Achane remains the team’s premier back and top run-game weapon, Gordon’s role as the lead short-yardage and power back adds balance to the offense. He is expected to remain the primary two-back with the potential to serve as the second option behind Achane in 2026, delivering toughness between the tackles and lowering the opponent’s goal-line resistance. Should Achane be sidelined for an extended period, Gordon would likely be the first candidate to step into a larger workload, though there is plenty of organizational depth to evaluate as the season unfolds.
The Dolphins also count on a broader group of backs to contribute when needed. Jaylen Wright, Donovan Edwards, Carlos Washington Jr., and Anthony Hankerson are part of the depth chart, providing versatility and competition at the running back position. However, Gordon’s established role as the power compliment positions him as the clear No. 2 option on the depth chart behind Achane. If Achane’s absence creates an opportunity for more extensive work, Wright could potentially emerge as a closer direct replacement in certain situations, but Gordon’s physical running style makes him the natural choice for short-yardage and early-down carries when the team needs to push the pile.
Overall, the Dolphins are counting on Achane to be the offensive anchor with Gordon serving as the dependable power counterpunch, delivering the physical presence needed to complement Achane’s speed and home-run potential. The combination aims to sustain a balanced ground game, dictate tempo, and create favorable matchups as Miami pursues sustained success under Hafley. As the 2026 season approaches, fans will be watching to see how Gordon builds on his rookie-year foundation, whether he increases his touch count and efficiency, and how the duo evolves within coach Hafley’s offensive system.