"De'Von Achane's Fantasy Football worth receives another significant enhancement"
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is gearing up for the 2025 fantasy football season, and his draft position is shaping up to be a topic of debate among fantasy managers. Despite his high efficiency and potential, several factors could influence his position in drafts.
Achane, who turns 24 in October, has minimal NFL mileage with only 411 touches in two seasons. In 2023, he was a league-winner and finished in the Top 5 among running backs in fantasy points scored. Last season, he was on 17% of championship rosters.
However, his draft position may be affected by injury history and current health concerns. Achane has dealt with injuries, including a high-ankle sprain in 2024 and a calf injury in the 2025 preseason. Soft-tissue injuries pose a risk for his availability and performance, which may cause some drafters to hesitate on investing a high pick in him.
Another factor is the health and quality of the Dolphins offense. Achane's peak fantasy production correlated strongly with the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Uncertainty about Tagovailoa's health and the Dolphins' offensive line, which is ranked low and recently lost their top lineman, could negatively impact Achane's volume and efficiency.
Competition for touches is another concern. While Achane has seen a significant increase in snap share and involvement, the emergence of teammate Jaylen Wright as a second-year back poses some threat to Achane's workload. Reduction in carries or targets might limit his ceiling, despite potential efficiency gains from fewer tough-yardage runs.
Regression concerns in rushing efficiency could also impact Achane's draft position. Despite elite receiving skills, Achane's rushing explosiveness has dipped, with his yards per carry regressing from 7.8 to 4.6. Although his receiving game improved and compensated for rushing regression, some drafters may view his rushing decline as a red flag.
Despite these risks, Achane's average draft position (ADP) is around 14 overall (second round), reflecting a balance between his high upside and perceived risks. His availability at a second-round cost could attract draft interest, but high injury risk and team uncertainties might depress it compared to a "safe" back.
In the Miami Dolphins' backfield, Achane is currently the lead running back, with Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon as the only other remaining options. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson are no longer part of the picture. Mike McDaniel, known for featuring running backs, does not plan to use Achane as a full-blown workhorse due to his size.
Alexander Mattison was signed to provide veteran depth in the backfield, but he has suffered a season-ending injury. This could potentially open up more opportunities for Achane, Wright, and Gordon.
In conclusion, the primary factors influencing Achane's 2025 fantasy draft position are his injury risk, the health and quality of the Dolphins offense, competition for touches, and a notable dip in rushing explosiveness despite elite receiving skills. These factors create a risk-reward profile that some managers find attractive in the mid-second round, while others may be more cautious. Drafting Achane could put a player in position to win a championship. Meanwhile, Wright and Gordon could be strong fantasy football values as late-round picks in the 2025 season.
Sports and football are expected to be once again intertwined in the 2025 fantasy football season, as Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane prepares for a potentially impactful role. Injury history and current health concerns, the quality and health of the Dolphins offense, competition for touches, and a dip in rushing explosiveness, despite excellent receiving skills, could all play significant roles in determining Achane's draft position. His potential high upside, evident in his past performances, may still make him an attractive pick for many drafters, even with the perceived risks.
