BREAKINGNEWS: Raheem Mostert’s backfield, which is crowded, will split the workload.

Miami The Miami Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert and rookie De’Von Achane combined for the most yards rushing last season, aside from David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions.

In 2023, Mostert recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign. Achane led the league in average yards per carry with 800 yards of yardage. In 2024, both players will be back in a running backs room that includes rookie Jaylen Wright—who the organization moved up to draft—as well as veterans Jeff Wilson Jr. and Salvon Ahmed.

Although Mostert is expected to be the team’s leader this season, the burden behind him is still unpredictable.

“To try to crown this person or that person would not be doing the group justice,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated. “But the group as a whole, pretty much led by Raheem, is as good as I’ve been around, and I’ve been around a lot of good groups.”

Even though Mostert is anticipated to lead the squad this season, the load that follows him is still uncertain.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said, “To try to crown this person or that person would not be doing the group justice.” “But the group as a whole, pretty much led by Raheem, is as good as I’ve been around, and I’ve been around a lot of good groups.”

With 37 targets and 27 receptions in the previous season, Achane topped all Dolphins running backs in receiving yards and touchdowns (317 yards and three). The average depth of his 163 routes from the line of scrimmage last season was 2.2 yards, according to NFL Next Gen Stats; if he were to widen his route tree, he might have more opportunities in the passing game in 2024.

The Dolphins’ top goal is to get the ball to Achane in space, whether via air or on land. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he led all running backs in average speed at the line of scrimmage last season with 12.2 mph. Achane’s 279 rushing yards beyond expectations were surpassed only by Christian McCaffrey, whose 21.93 mph pace topped that of all running backs.

“I think it’s an important offseason for him because you were just really hanging on by your coattails as a rookie in this league in general,” McDaniel stated. “In year two, you kind of settle into things and learn a lot more about the reasons behind everything you do. The more an offensive player understands the strategy, the more opportunities he has to get the ball.

“He produced a lot of balls, some of which I know he feels specifically that there are more out there from the opportunities he had last year. He also demonstrated exceptional ball handling skills, finding various ways to get people the ball by using different pass routes and run schemes that you can become accustomed to, among other things. This summer has given him a lot more opportunities to play at the point of attack within this scheme.”