New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: RB Devon Achane

Brandon takes a look at a sleeper at running back.
New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: RB Devon Achane
New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: RB Devon Achane /

Devon Achane, RB

Height: 5-foot-8.5
Weight: 188 lbs.
Class: Junior
School: Texas A&M

Devon Achane was the fourth-ranked all-purpose back in the 2020 recruiting class from Missouri City, Texas - a city gaining a reputation for producing top-flight athletes. Achane decided to commit to the Texas A&M Aggies over North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, and Auburn.

Notables

He was a college track star, landing in the top ten of multiple Texas A&M track records. Earned All-SEC first-team honors in 2022 as a running back and all-purpose player.



Strengths

  • A threat to score every time he touches the ball
  • Can go from 0 to 100 in no time
  • Changes direction while losing minimal speed
  • Bo Jackson once said, “I saw their angles and raised their acceleration.” Achane does that consistently
  • Despite his size, he has no fear when it comes to operating between the tackles
  • Has found success working as a kick returner
  • If a hole is there, he can find it quickly

Weaknesses

  • If a hole isn’t there, he’ll spend too much time waiting for one to open up
  • Gets his shoulder down before contact but doesn’t consistently create yards after contact
  • Needs to learn that not every play can go yard, get upfield and take what’s there
  • Small frame is a concern at the next level - won’t be a feature back
  • Has struggled with drops
  • Small catch radius
  • Not going to create consistent yards after contact
  • Struggles to slow blitzers in pass-protection

Summary

Few players in the 2023 NFL Draft, if any, have the explosive ability that Devon Achane possesses -- a true lightning-in-a-bottle type of playmaker. His frame will be a cause for concern for some teams and coaches, but his tape shows that he plays stronger than his size suggests.

GRADE: 6.2

Draft Grade Scale
Nick Falato


Published
Brandon Olsen
BRANDON OLSEN

Brandon Olsen is the founder of Whole Nine Sports, specializing in NFL Draft coverage, and is the host of the Locked On Gators Podcast.