Running Back – Texas A&M

5’9, 185 lbs

Strengths

After three seasons with the Aggies, one running back to keep an eye on in this 2023 rookie class is Devon Achane. This former track star is primed to set the league on fire alongside its expectations of what a modern running back looks like. Over his three years of college performance, he played in 28 games accruing 2,930 yards from scrimmage and 26 total touchdowns. Furthermore, he only fumbled the ball on two occasions during this time.

Instincts

Achane is an elite rusher who uses both his vision and his quick feet to set up defenders to be out of position. This allows him to run right past them with ease. Additionally, when moving through traffic, he is decisive and can cut on a dime. Combine this style with his speed, and you have a  someone that is deadly in open space.

Speed

As I stated previously, Achane is a track athlete. That being said, his speed is not just a mirage. His speed translates in pads as demonstrated on this touchdown return where he hit 22.2 MPH. This highlights his utility for NFL teams as well because he is an electric kick returner which gives him more staying power on rosters throughout his career.

Passing Game

A deeper dive into his production shows that Achane generated 6.8 yards every time the ball was put in his hands. 6.4 yards on running plays and 8.5 on receptions. Overall, he is a dual-threat weapon. That is on full display with his career target share of 14.7% on 65 catches for 554 yards. Furthermore, his skills as a receiver are shown below as he brings in an over-the-shoulder ball on a fade route out of the backfield.

The Devon Achane train right after his combine forty will be something pic.twitter.com/GzFR3cL9Ff

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) February 21, 2023

Weaknesses

It is no secret that size matters for the running back position in the NFL. That being said, Achane does not have the prototypical size you would expect from even an elite satellite back. There’s a chance he may yet subvert all expectations by coming in near or above 200 pounds in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. However, this outcome is unlikely as his playing weight was rumored to be lower than his listed 185 pounds.

At this size, despite his best efforts at being physical and imposing his will on defenders, he simply cannot escape tackles once hands are on him.

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

There are two sides pulling on Achane. One side is looking at him through the rigid lens of him being too small to be worth significant draft capital. On the flip side, some are licking their chops at his blazing speed and versatility.

In your dynasty rookie drafts, I’d anticipate having to take him in the mid to late first if his Combine goes as many hope. However, if he comes in smaller than listed and slower than expected, he would move down my rankings by a full round or so.

Right now according to NFL Mock Draft database, he is projected as a firm 2nd Round selection in the NFL Draft. If this happens, a team would have to be willing to take a bet against history with a swing on his game-breaking potential. An ideal fit would be with Miami who doesn’t pick until 52nd overall. There, he’d be joining an ensemble of the fastest men on earth. Fittingly enough, in Miami, he’d be on the same roster as my comp for him. None other than The Cheetah himself, Tyreek Hill.

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