The 2023 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the running back position, which means that teams should be able to draft a starting-caliber player like Devon Achane late in Round 2 or early in Round 3. While Achane is probably too small to be a true three-down back at the next level, the Texas A&M product is arguably the fastest player at his position and has the ability to take it to the house every single time he touches the football. The only question is, which teams are most likely to actually add him to their roster?
Devon Achane's acceleration here is wild. pic.twitter.com/g6BkqlmXVQ
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) April 13, 2023
Top 5 Teams That Could Draft Devon Achane
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs love speed, and they desperately need another running back. Isiah Pacheco played well last year, but he’s no three-down threat. Achane is probably too small to play on all three downs, so combining these two young runners would create a fantastic 1-2 punch. Nobody faces fewer stacked boxes than the Chiefs, and Devon Achane should be able to take advantage of those easier rushing lanes and rip off big plays for this team.
Philadelphia Eagles
There is no denying that the Philadelphia Eagles need a running back, but they probably won’t address that need in the first round. This team is one of the most analytically oriented franchises in football, so instead of drafting Bijan Robinson in the first, they might Devon Achane in the back of the second. Philadelphia already has one of the most explosive running games in football, and adding a big-play threat like Achane could make this rushing attack the best in the league.
Houston Texans
Dameon Pierce played well last year, but he’d probably do better with a smaller workload. The hard-running north-south veteran lacks the speed to turn 20-yard gains into 80-yard touchdowns, so adding Devon Achane to the mix would be perfect for this team. This thunder and lightning backfield duo will undoubtedly help whoever in under center next year, be it Bryce Young, Will Levis, or even Trey Lance.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers running back situation has seen better days. Current starter Austin Ekeler is frustrated with the organization and wants a new deal, while the rest of the depth chart leaves a lot to be desired. The team needs to find an heir to Ekeler’s throne, and Devon Achane might be the right choice for the job. His pass-catching prowess makes him an ideal fill-in for Ekeler, and his elite straight-line speed makes him more of a home run threat than the current starter.
New Orleans Saints
The Alvin Kamara Era is likely nearing the end in New Orleans. The running back is almost certainly going to face a suspension in 2023, and he isn’t getting any younger. Jamaal Williams can handle short-yardage duties, but he lacks the ability to churn out big plays on a regular basis. Achane and Williams can split touches in 2023, while the Texas A&M product makes his case for the unquestioned starting job in 2024.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
