De’Von Achane Finishes 5th in PFF’s 2026 RB Rankings

PFF Releases 2026 Backfield Rankings

The NFL offseason offers a brief pause for teams and players, but the media seizes the window to assess where each unit stands heading into the new campaign. On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus unveiled its latest set of rankings for the league’s 32 starting running backs ahead of the 2026 season. In that comprehensive list, Miami Dolphins tailback De’Von Achane claimed the fifth‑spot, positioning him among the league’s elite rushers.

Securing a place just ahead of Achane are four established names: Christian McCaffrey lands at No. 4, followed by Derrick Henry at No. 3, Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 2, and Bijan Robinson topping the hierarchy at No. 1. The presence of these veterans underscores the competitive depth of the rankings and highlights how far Achane has progressed in a short period.

Achane’s standout measurables

Speed is a hallmark of Achane’s game, earning him a reputation as a player who can break off explosive runs at any moment. His 2025 season included 24 carries that gained at least 15 yards—best in the NFL—and he posted a 46.1% breakaway rate, the highest among all starting backs. These numbers cement his role as a reliable scoring threat whenever he touches the football.

Why the ranking matters for Miami

After a productive rookie‑scale year that culminated in his first Pro Bowl selection, Miami rewarded Achane with a new contract extension, signaling the club’s confidence in his long‑term impact. The Dolphins view him as the cornerstone of their ground attack, hoping he can replicate the breakout performance from 2025 as the primary focus of the offense. The 2026 season is slated to be a test of whether he can maintain that caliber while shouldering a larger workload.

The PFF rankings serve as a forward‑looking gauge for how each back is expected to perform under new schemes and increased responsibilities. For Achane, sitting at No. 5 reflects both his solid talent and the lofty expectations that come with being the focal point of a contender’s running game. Miami’s success in the upcoming year may well hinge on whether he can translate his speed and breakaway skill into consistent yards and touchdowns at an even higher level.