NFL analyst names Dolphins running back a sophomore breakout candidate

You can never have too much talent at the skill positions in today’s NFL, and you can never have too much speed. Those are two ideas that are typified by the Miami Dolphins offense, with high-quality speed burners just about everywhere you look. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle dominate on the outside, while the backfield features a pair of track stars in their own right, Raheem Mostert and second-year back De’Von Achane.

Achane burst onto the scene last year as a rookie and wowed people with his ability to bust off a big run from just about anywhere on the field. In limited action as a rookie, Achane was able to put up 800 yards on an absurd 7.8 yards per carry, all while getting fewer than 10 carries per game as he split time with Mostert.

Achane’s rookie campaign was cut short due to a knee injury, but he’s back and healthy this training camp. That has some, like Pro Football Network’s Anthony DiBona, excited for what his sophomore year could have in store. DiBona recently identified one sophomore breakout candidate for each team, and his pick for the Dolphins is the speedy young running back.

With Mostert now entering his age 32 season, it’s only a matter of time before he starts to fall off that proverbial age cliff and his production begins to dwindle. As it does, Achane should be there to pick up the slack. If his rookie season was any indication of his ability, he’ll be able to pick up that slack in a big way.

DiBona looks for Achane to eventually outpace Mostert in the Dolphins offense and take over as the RB1 in their explosive offense. That is, of course, provided the burgeoning star can stay healthy. Achane is a somewhat slight running back who wins with extreme speed, which can come with durability concerns. We saw that play out last season. The key for Achane will be avoiding a repeat in year two.