The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the running backs.
Raheem Mostert: A+
In his ninth season, Mostert had the best year of his career. He rushed for 1,012 yards on 4.8 yards per attempt while adding another 175 yards on 25 receptions. He also set the franchise record for both rushing touchdowns (18) and total touchdowns (21). What more can you ask of a 31-year-old back making just $2.19 million?
De'Von Achane: A
With all of the talent Miami brought back in the room from the 2022 season, there were questions about Achane’s selection last April. And, in only 11 games in 2023, he provided a lot of answers.
As a rookie, Achane rushed for 800 yards and eight touchdowns on an insane 7.8 yards per attempt. He also added another 197 yards and three scores on 27 receptions. If he can stay healthy going forward, the former Aggie can take this offense to the next level.
Jeff Wilson Jr.: C+
Wilson Jr. started the year off on injured reserve due to rib and finger injuries that he suffered in training camp. When he returned to action, he was still effective, but he was used sparingly down the stretch despite injuries to others at the position. In total, he had just 41 carries for 188 yards (4.6 yards per attempt) and 14 receptions for another 85 yards. The efficiency was still nice, considering the workload, but it would be great to see him get more opportunities especially if others go down.
Chris Brooks: C
Brooks was mainly a special teamer during the six weeks he was healthy before he suffered a knee injury. However, he did pop a time or two. In the blowout win over the Denver Broncos, he rushed for 66 yards on 7.3 yards per attempt, and against the Carolina Panthers, he had rushed for 28 yards on 4.7 yards per carry before going down with the injury.
It was s surprise that Brooks made the roster out of training camp, considering he was an undrafted free agent, but he looks to be a nice developmental project that Mike McDaniel and company can work with.
Salvon Ahmed: C-
Ahmed returned to Miami after rushing for just 64 yards and a touchdown in 2022, and he struggled as a runner again in 2023. In eight games before suffering a season-ending injury, Ahmed rushed for 61 yards and a score on just 2.8 yards per attempt. He did add 88 yards and another touchdown on 16 receptions, but it was clear that he was the bottom back on the roster this year.
