Raiders Opponent Rookie Spotlight: De'Von Achane

The Las Vegas Raiders might face Miami Dolphins rookie running back De'Von Achane, whose potential return would provide a spark.

The Las Vegas Raiders have remained competitive in the AFC playoff race with how strong their defense has performed this season.

Now, they face their toughest season test when they travel to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

The Dolphins have the league’s highest-scoring offense, with several elite players. Coach Mike McDaniel’s unique system has them playing at an incredibly high level.

While the Dolphins have been able to throw the ball well, their run game has taken a hit since the injury to rookie running back De’Von Achane, who has been designated to return from injured reserve and has a chance to face the Raiders.

Achane’s return would provide a massive spark to the Dolphins’ running game. The third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M has rushed for 460 yards and five touchdowns in four games. Before his injury, he led the NFL in yards per carry at 12.1.

Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 188 pounds, Achane is not a sizable running back but was one of the fastest players in his draft class. He ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, the third-fastest time of all positions. Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett had the second-fastest time at 4.30.

Achane was a track and field star at Texas A&M who then switched to football, and it has paid off. His speed has been a difference-maker for a Dolphins offense with several blazing-fast skill position players.

Achane joined backfield teammate Raheem Mostert and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as players who win with speed. 

In the Dolphins’ game against the Denver Broncos, Achane accounted for 203 rushing yards and four touchdowns as the Dolphins put up 70 points.

If Achane is able to play against the Raiders, they will need to be able to slow him down if they want to limit the Dolphins’ offense. He provides a massive spark to their running game, and linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo would be tasked with getting after him.

The Raiders have not seen a running back as fast as Achane this season, so this could prove to be a tough test for their defense.

The Silver and Black will head out on the road to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

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