​The Miami Dolphins enter 2026 with a new general manager and a new head coach after parting ways with Chris Grier during the season and firing Mike McDaniel soon after their campaign concluded. The organization wrapped up its first organized team activities and minicamps under Jeff Hafley in early June, marking the start of a lengthy layoff before training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex. Before players report back, the plan is to review each position, gauge where every player stands, and project roles for the upcoming season. Today’s focus is on the running backs.
De’Von Achane, Miami’s third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Texas A&M, has been impressive through his first three NFL seasons, which is why the Dolphins signed him to a four-year, $64 million extension earlier in the offseason. If he stays healthy, Achane figures to be the centerpiece of Bobby Slowik’s offensive attack in 2026. Across his career, Achane has accumulated 3,057 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns on an average of 5.6 yards per carry, along with 172 receptions for 1,277 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. Projected Role: Starter.
Ollie Gordon II, the Dolphins’ sixth-round pick in 2025 out of Oklahoma State, served as Achane’s top backup last season and appears poised to again challenge for the primary backup role. However, Gordon will face competition, particularly after a rookie season that did not meet all expectations. At 6-foot-2, Gordon will have to prove he can translate college production to the NFL level during training camp. Career stats to date include 199 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns on 2.8 yards per carry, plus 7 receptions for 32 yards and a receiving touchdown. Projected Role: Backup.
Jaylen Wright, selected by Miami in the 2024 NFL draft out of Tennessee, logged a comparable number of opportunities to Gordon but demonstrated higher efficiency. Wright’s straight-line speed, evidenced by a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, makes him a legitimate threat and a strong candidate to compete with Gordon for the top backup spot behind Achane. He posted 537 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns on 3.9 yards per carry, along with 8 receptions for 52 yards. Projected Role: Third string.
As the Dolphins evaluate their roster heading into training camp and beyond, the running back group will be tested for depth and versatility. Achane remains the focal point, assuming health, while Gordon and Wright will vie for meaningful backup roles, potentially rotating in to keep the backfield fresh and to exploit different defensive looks. The competition at that position will be an early barometer of the overall offensive philosophy under the new leadership, as Miami looks to optimize its run game and complement a revamped coaching staff. The next steps include a detailed assessment in the coming weeks, with training camp set to reveal how the competition unfolds and who emerges as the primary backups behind Achane.