Texas A&M RB Devon Achane Listed As Top Aggies Prospect For 2023 NFL Draft
Who is the top Texas A&M prospect for the 2023 season? It's more of a personal preference between offense and defense.
For those that believe offense is essential to team success in the pros, they likely would say running back Devon Achane clears. For those who still follow the "defense wins championships" mantra, it would be hard to argue that do-it-all defensive back Antonio Johnson isn't the top man.
According to The Ringer, they believe in the offensive philosophy, ranking Achane as the 34th-ranked prospect in the class. Considered the top pure safety in the draft, Johnson was listed as the 49th-ranked prospect out of 50.
"Achane is short with a compact frame and plays with rare acceleration and breakaway speed. A former four-star prospect out of Missouri City, Texas, he was listed as the no. 4 all-purpose back in his recruiting class and went on to be a three-year impact player for Texas A&M, totaling 2,376 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in three seasons there and adding 554 yards and five scores through the air.
He also averaged 30.7 yards per kick return and took two of them to the house. Achane finished his college career strong in 2022, posting 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground to go with 36 receptions for 196 yards and three scores through the air, winning First Team All-SEC honors." - The Ringer's Danny Kelly
Achane's home run speed was made evident last Sunday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The 5-9, 188-pounder posted the two fastest 40 times among running backs, running a 4.34 on his first attempt and a 4.32 on his second.
Among prospects, Achane finished with the third-fastest time, trailing Michigan cornerback D.J. Turner (4.26), and Maryland defensive back Jakorian Bennett (4.30). Achane also finished with the fourth-fastest time for a running back all-time, trailing only Chris Johnson (4.24), Dri Archer (4.26) and Keith Marshall (4.31)
While known for his speed, Achane also was one of the most consistent runners during his time in College Station. As a secondary runner behind Isaiah Spiller in 2021, Achane led the Southeastern Conference with 7.0 yards per attempt. A year later as the new feature back, he finished with over 1,100 yards and 5.6 yards per carry.
Scouts have praised Achane's speed but could worry about his frame holding up at the next level. According to Kelly, his lack of primary reps might also knock him down the list regarding draft stock.
"Achane’s lack of size will be an issue for teams and likely will limit his touch volume at the next level. He lacks pile-pushing power, and that stunts his utility around the goal line or in short-yardage situations.
He’s a bit boom-or-bust in style, and while he can be counted on to produce explosive plays, he’s too often ensnared behind the line. He doesn’t always get the hard yards." - The Ringer
Achane's stock could rise thanks to his special teams skills. A premier return man, Achane served as the Aggies' leading kickoff return specialist and averaged 30.7 yards per return. He also scored a pair of touchdowns, one coming in 2021 against Alabama and the other coming against Appalachian State in Week 2.
Receiving skills should help Achane's stock, as well. Better known for his rushing ability, Achane was a stable pass-catcher for the Aggies in three years in Jimbo Fisher's offense. He totaled 65 catches for 544 yards and scored five touchdowns while averaging 11.9 yards per catch.
Achane, Johnson and defensive back Jaylon Jones are all expected to hear their names called between Rounds 2-5 of the NFL draft. The draft begins on April 27 in Kansas City.
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