• The Miami Dolphins have two contrasting running back styles in De’Von Achane, known for his speed, and rookie Ollie Gordon II, a powerful runner.
• The Dolphins are looking to revitalize their run game after the departure of Mostert and Wilson, adding Gordon and Jaylen Wright to the backfield alongside Achane.
• Coach Mike McDaniel emphasized Gordon’s potential and expects him to improve upon his 2023 college performance.

MIAMI GARDENS — It’s kind of funny how two people can have the exact same job title and description but do it in entirely different ways.

Consider the plight of Miami Dolphins running backs De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II.

Technically, they’re both running backs. But Gordon, the rookie, is four inches taller and 38 pounds heavier than Achane.

Thirty eight pounds!

Achane opened eyes in his 2023 rookie season with burst and speed and acceleration.

Whoosh!

Gordon, who slipped to the sixth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, wants to stiff-arm, barrel though and over you.

Wham!

“I’m a bruiser,’ Gordon said during the NFL Draft. “I’m going to run through you. I’m going to make you want to not tackle me. Late in games. And beginning of games.”

When players at a certain position come in various shapes and sizes, coaches will inevitably push back against weakness assumptions.

Yes, Achane is small. But he’s tough.

Yes, Gordon is powerful. But he’s agile, too.

Yes, Achane is a great receiver. But Gordon is better than you may realize, too.

We can insert the spring-time and summer-time quotes that haven’t been quoted yet here. But make no mistake, there will be quotes.

“I saw a lot of really good stuff,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said of Gordon’s film after the back was selected.

Ollie Gordon II: ‘I’m a bruiser.’

Specially, McDaniel saw a lot of really good stuff in 2023, when Gordon was named the best running back in college football and ran for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns.

“We feel optimistic that is the version that we’re going to improve upon moving forward,” McDaniel said, acknowledging 2024 was not as good for Gordon.

Gordon is 6-foot-1, 226 pounds.

Achane is 5-foot-9, 188 pounds.

The Dolphins have moved on from Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, two quality backs McDaniel also worked with in San Francisco.

Including 2024 draft pick Jaylen Wright, the Dolphins have hit on that position in three straight “NFL Annual Player Selection Meetings.”

That’s intentional.

McDaniel wants to re-establish the run game that went awry in 2024.

That’s why James Daniels and Jonah Savaiinaea were added to play guard and massive Patrick Paul was selected to succeed Pro Bowler Terron Armstead.

McDaniel figures to increase total runs. And he’s going to reward physicality.

Wright is sort of a hybrid of Achane and Gordon

He’s big and fast. This trio of youngsters is intriguing.

Achane is 23. Wright is 22. Gordon is 21.

Talk about a wave of youth.

If Gordon were Eddie George or Jonathan Taylor, Ollie Gordon would not have slipped to the sixth round. A DUI in the summer of 2024 surely did not help him.

But the upright running style and a battery of stiff arms are reminiscent, at least.

“Honestly, my mindset is me versus you, and I’m banking on me every time,” Gordon said. “I can’t sit here and lie to you. I’m banking on me every time.”

Miami Dolphins update: RB Ollie Gordon II selected in NFL Draft

Gordon will need to be all-in from Day 1 to come close to the impact Achane had a rookie. It’s a great competition in that room, with plenty of talent and depth.

Clearly Achane is projected to get the most touches.

But if Gordon can gain the coaches’ trust – he’s already known as a reliable pass-blocker – he has a chance at some meaningful rookie carries.

It’s best when each player knows their role.

Gordon, the rookie, seems to know his.

“You’re going to get out of my way,” Gordon said. “Or I’m going to run through you.”

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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.