Once more eschewing the offensive line after targeting South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith in the second round, Miami returned to the SEC in the next round, tabbing Texas A&M running back De'Von Achane with the 84th overall pick.
In his initial rankings, draft analyst Dane Brugler considered Achane the No. 48 overall player, and at draft time Brugler had him rated the No. 67 overall player and fourth-best running back in the draft, assigning him a second-/third-round grade.
The pluses: Achane was the only Power 5 player in the land to score rushing, receiving, and returning, and he led the SEC and was fourth in the nation in all-purpose yards per game with 161. In his last two seasons at A&M, he rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 60 receptions and four receiving scores, to go with two kickoff return touchdowns.
A three-team track All-American in college, Achane's calling card is speed. He was clocked at 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time recorded at the scouting combine.
Most analysts are quick to point out that Achane is not just a track star playing football, with the youngster displaying a toughness that many track standouts don't find on the gridiron. He only fumbled twice in his career, and after a foot injury sidelined him for two games, he refused to shut down his season and just prep for the draft. Instead, he returned for the season finale, torching LSU for 215 yards and forcing 16 missed tackles in a monumental upset.
Achane is credited with uncanny acceleration that allows him to be patient as a runner, following his blocks until he finds a crease he can exploit instantly. He makes quick reads, excels on counter plays, and is a threat in the passing game and on special teams.
The negatives: Measuring 5-8, 188 pounds, Achane is not built to withstand a heavy workload, perhaps evidenced by a foot injury that sidelined him for part of his final season at Texas A&M. He also was only a one-year starter in college before skipping his final campaign.
Scouts questioned Achane's refinement as an inside runner, pass catcher, and pass blocker. He struggled to run through contact or finish carries with power, leading some to wonder whether he profiles best as a wide receiver -- in fact, some teams evaluated him as a wideout for the draft.
The bottom line: Listen, a player of Achane's versatility and explosion is going to find touches in any offense somehow. Yet with Raheem Mostert, Jeff Fuller, Salvon Ahmed, Myles Gaskin -- and maybe even Dalvin Cook? -- returning to the Dolphins backfield, workload and role are questions for Achane.
Throwing his huge potential as a returner into the mix, Achane reminds me of NC State alum Nyheim Hines, who has carved out essential roles in Indianapolis and Buffalo in the NFL. There are separate questions related to why Miami ignored the offensive line with their first two selections and whether Achane represents a luxury pick, but the reality is that coach Mike McDaniel has proven that he is going to stockpile as many speedy offensive weapons as he can -- and from that standpoint, many are giddy about the myriad ways Achane could be employed as yet another game-breaker on South Beach.
No comments:
Post a Comment