Where Could Aggies RB Devon Achane Land On Day 2 Of NFL Draft?
Speed wins in the NFL. It wins in college.
And it's likely what will help former Texas A&M running back Devon Achane win at the next level for a future franchise.
While not the clone of Barry Allen's "Flash," Achane has home run-caliber speed to win at all three phases of the field. Durable enough to withstand hits, the former Aggie should provide value as a rotational back for any backfield early in his career before potentially taking over as a prominent piece of an offense.
Achane, who spent three seasons in College Station, should hear his name called at some point during Day 2 of the NFL draft. After posting career numbers in rushing yards (1,102), attempts (196) and touchdowns, franchises can exhale knowing the speed demon is more than a one-trick pony in the pros.
The selling point for Achane? Special teams. A premier return man in the SEC, the 5-9 tailback's value should be at an all-time high when franchises looking for playmakers are on the clock.
While the casuals pay attention to when prospects are drafted, where might hold more value to their career. What franchises could be in the running to add Achane during the second and third rounds?
Here are five potential locations every A&M fan should be looking for.
Carolina Panthers: No. 39
After selling the franchise's future to select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, Carolina must surround him with weapons. The Panthers signed former Eagles running back Miles Sanders in the offseason, but his physical running style could be counteracted with the addition of speed.
Achane would likely carve out a role on passing plays due to his smooth hands and ability to create mismatches in the open field. On special teams, Achane could compete with Raheem Blackshear, who averaged 27 yards per kick return last season on 19 attempts.
Alleviating pressure off Young to boost his confidence could pay dividends to his future success. Having a three-man rotation of Sanders, Achane and former Oklahoma State standout Chuba Hubbard could fit the criteria.
Miami Dolphins: No. 51
The team that could create a 4x4 Olympic relay team cares about Achane's best asset. Tyreek Hill blazes defenders out the outside as Tua Tagoviloa's top target. Jaylen Waddle has thrived in the slot, but uses his straight-line success to win in the open field. And while Cedrick Wilson could be on the move, his ability to win in short-yardage situations made him a top target in last year's free agency.
Miami swung big to raise its AFC contention status by adding All-Pro defender Jalen Ramsey. The only thing missing from a roster with Super Bowl aspirations is a speed threat in the backfield. Last season, the Dolphins ranked 25th in rushing despite having former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as their coach.
Life moves fast in South Beach. Achane seems like a natural fit for the 305 franchise in more ways than one.
Dallas Cowboys: No. 58
Dallas parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott to make Tony Pollard the lead runner in 2023. Could the same result happen to Pollard next offseason if the two sides can't come to terms on a contract extension?
Achane, a Texas native, plays a similar game to Pollard. Speed is a priority and versatility is an asset. Coming out of Memphis, Pollard played both running back and receiver to double his production. In four seasons with Dallas, he's averaged 8.3 yards per catch and 23.8 yards per return. Achane averaged 8.5 yards per reception and 30 yards per return.
A clone of the player on the franchise tag? Perhaps. A replacement should Pollard test the free agent market next offseason? Undoubtedly.
Chicago Bears: No. 61 or No. 64
Chicago led the league last season in rushing yards behind the legs of quarterback Justin Fields. Keeping a similar offensive formula could be the right move for Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, but taking some pressure off Fields could benefit all parties.
The Bears lost leading rusher David Montgomery in free agency. Khalil Herbert proved he's ready for more carries, but that doesn't mean he should be the focal point of the ground game. Achane joining the mix would give the Bears a quartet of runners — including Fields — that should keep the chains moving and the turnovers at a minimum. Best of all, if the Bears pass on Achane to close out Round 2, they're back on the clock three picks later.
Philadelphia Eagles: No. 65
Name a bigger winner from Thursday night than the reigning NFC Champs. Not only did the Eagles land two SEC talents that many considered top-10 picks, but after agreeing to terms with the Arizona Cardinals on tampering charges for the hiring of Jonathan Gannon, they also moved up 28 spots in the third round.
Rashaad Penny can be a capable starter when healthy. When is the keyword in the last sentence since the former first-round tailback has missed 43 of a possible 87 career games over his five NFL seasons. Boston Scott is a situational runner and Kenneth Gainwell provides value in the passing game.
Fans often call running backs "luxury" picks. Having a playmaker like Achane in an offense that features A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Jalen Hurts. That's not a luxury. It's a kill shot to the remaining 15 franchises in the NFC looking to contend for a Super Bowl.
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