The Miami Dolphins had arguably the best running back duo in the NFL in 2023, and that tandem is returning in 2024.
Veteran Raheem Mostert and rising second-year player De’Von Achane were already set to be back together next season. After last week’s extension for Mostert, they can be a backfield duo through 2025 as Achane, a 2023 third-round draft pick, is under contract through 2026 on his four-year rookie deal.
That’s fine news for the Dolphins, who led the league in yards per rushing attempt last season and were sixth in total rushing yards.
It’s a pairing in the backfield that excels in the outside-zone rushing scheme, getting defenders moving laterally before blockers and the running back cut downfield to attack the defense. The duo of speedsters both had carries that were among the top 10 in miles per hour run while handling the football in-game in 2023.
Miami, however, can also stand to be more efficient in short-yardage situations, the moments when getting 1 or 2 yards instead of none make the difference between a first down or touchdown and either punting the ball or turning it over on downs. The team is already very adroit when it comes to getting chunk plays in the run game on early downs.
Some were hopeful the Dolphins may make a push for a downhill runner and power back in free agency. Derrick Henry would’ve been the ideal choice, but Miami didn’t seem to really pursue him and Henry ended up with the Baltimore Ravens.
After already spending their second draft choice in 2023, a third-round selection, on a running back in Achane, the Dolphins seem less likely to use a meaningful 2024 pick on the position.
And as for any need for physical, between-the-tackles running, returning veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. is one option. He’s back on a reworked deal for 2024, and although he underwhelmed last season, he had the team’s biggest run in a short-yardage situation last year when he picked up a late first down on third-and-short against the Dallas Cowboys that set Miami up for the winning field goal as time expired.
Chris Brooks, an undrafted rookie who made the team in 2023, also presents a power tailback. Miami is also bringing back shifty veteran Salvon Ahmed, who can compete for a roster spot again. The team is set at fullback with Alec Ingold, a Pro Bowler last season.
Mostert, who turns 32 within a week on Tuesday, had his best season at 31 and made his first Pro Bowl. He set Dolphins records in rushing touchdowns (18) and total touchdowns (21) while surpassing 1,000 rushing yards (1,012) for the first time in his career.
While more known for his blazing speed, Mostert can also be a physical rusher. According to Pro Football Focus, he averaged 3.35 yards after contact, third among backs with 200 attempts, and forced 53 missed tackles, ranking eighth.
Achane is coming off a rookie year where he set a record in the Super Bowl era for yards per carry (7.8) while having at least 100 attempts (103). He finished with 800 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, plus 197 receiving yards and three more scores.
After two years of essentially bypassing on drafts — with just four picks in each 2022 and 2023 — Achane is essentially the lone valuable asset Miami has picked up from those two draft classes. Maybe cornerback and 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith can change that come the fall.
With five tailbacks on the roster plus the fullback Ingold, the Dolphins likely add at least one more to throw into offseason and training camp competition, but it doesn’t need to be of the caliber of a sure-fire roster-spot running back.
