Devon Achane’s Jaw-Dropping Speed Caused his Value to Skyrocket
Devon Achane
Texas A&M
Running Back
5’9″ 188lbs
2022 Stats: 196att 1,102yds 8tds | 36rec 196yds 3tds
Pros
His biggest asset by far is his speed. His 4.32 40 time was the best in class among running backs at the NFL Combine. His home-run speed combined with his elusiveness makes him a big play threat every time he touches the ball — one missed tackle and he can score.
He is also very versatile with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, catching 60 total passes over his last two seasons at Texas A&M. He isn’t quite ready to line up in the slot and run wide receiver routes, but the potential is there.
Cons
Just as his speed is by far and away his biggest strength, his size is equally his biggest detractor. There are a lot of advanced metrics to show that running backs under 200lbs don’t often succeed at the next level — or, even when they do, it’s only for a short time. Achane is 5-foot-9 185lbs and will never be used in an every-down role in the NFL, which isn’t always a bad thing for fantasy, but he needs the right landing spot.
My fear with Achane is that he lands on a team that only views him as a special team player and a gadget guy on offense. Draft Capital and landing spot will be huge for his dynasty value.
Summary
I have some major reservations about Devon Achane. I’ve fallen for the “small, but fast” running backs in the past, Darryton Evans and Justice Hill come to mind, and Achane’s stock is higher than both those guys were as prospects coming into the league. I’ve seen him ranked as high as the third running back off the board in dynasty rookie mocks, and that is too rich for blood. I doubt I will have any exposure to Achance in my dynasty leagues unless his price drops considerably after the NFL Draft.
2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid-to-high 2nd
Ideal Role: Receiving back in a committee in which he gets 8-12 touches a game and no more
Player Comp: Matt Breida
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