How Devon Achane Fit Into Mike McDaniel's Vision

The Miami Dolphins' third-round pick has been compared to a dynamic former Jets running back

The Miami Dolphins have become a team obsessed with speed during the Mike McDaniel era, so it’s understandable that the franchise used the number 84 pick to add a talent who was timed as one of the five fastest players in this draft class.

Miami used its third-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft to select Texas A&M tailback Devon Achane, who ran a 4.32 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

“It’s going to be a really scary offense. We’re all pretty fast. It’s going to be very competitive in practice,” Achane said. “I talked to Mike McDaniel and he wants to (build) the fastest team in the NFL.

“With my ability, he knows what to do with it.”

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Achane to former Jets tailback Leon Washington and projected him as a third-round pick.

“He’s simply too talented and explosive as a runner to be confined to gadget duty. History does not favor backs his size (5-foot-8), but his playmaking potential could be too tough to pass up on Day 2 of the draft, “ Zierlein wrote in his breakdown for Achane, who was the only college player to score a touchdown rushing, receiving and on a kickoff return last season.

McDANIEL ADMITS TO BEING IMPATIENT

McDaniel admitted to getting a bit antsy about Achane, who was one of his top targets in this draft class. General Manager Chris Grier would give McDaniel a pep talk every once in a while Friday night, convincing him that the tailback who rushed for 2,376 yards and scored 21 rushing touchdowns on 369 career carries, would be there when Miami made its second selection in Day 2.

With pick No. 51, the Dolphins drafted cornerback Cam Smith, who was Miami’s first pick of the draft because the team traded one of its two first-round pick to acquire pass rusher Bradley Chubb and lost the second because of an NFL sanction for tampering with head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Tom Brady last offseason.

Miami came into the weekend possessing just four picks, and used the first two to draft players who were timed among the fastest talents at their position.

“Speed, we generally like around here,” McDaniel said. “That running back group for us is very important and we found a person who fits the skill set we like, but someone who also fits in the room.

“(Achane) is fast.” McDaniel continued. “Chris and I have affection for that trait.”

With players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert around him, Achane will fit right in.

Hill himself gave his seal of approval to the additions of Smith and Achane.

Fast guys ✌🏿

— Ty Hill (@cheetah) April 29, 2023