Devon Achane’s projection to the next level is an interesting one because of his unique skill set and lack of size. Achane fits into the smaller running back category, which leads evaluators to believe that he cannot be a featured back in the NFL. He is a very suitable runner, especially outside of the tackles, but has surprising strength between the tackles to break for big runs. Achane’s health will be the key to his career in the NFL. 

One thing that is clear on film is that Texas A&M did an awful job of scheming Devon Achane to space, which is not the way he should be used in the NFL. Achane already is a strong running back between the tackles, does a good job as a receiver, and is an electric athlete. To me, his upside is very limited, if there is anything at all. 

Devon Achane days away from Aggie football. pic.twitter.com/wmHtBMzg9Q

— Sidelines – Texas A&M (@SSN_TAMU) August 28, 2022

Missed two games in 2022 with a foot injury. 

Devon Achane’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (37)

Speed/Athleticism: 15 – 

• Speed (6/7) – Very good speed. Should be sub 4.4. Ridiculously quick. 
• Change of Direction (3/4) – Subtle change of direction is good. Shows some promising ability on the cutback. 
• Body Control (3.5/4) – Good body control. Shows a wide variety of moves and makes people miss. Has a natural way of avoiding big contact. 

Power/Strength: 10 –

• Run Power (3/5) – Has some very solid run power. Won’t be a brute runner but can generate some power when he has to.
• Brute Strength (1.5/5) – Not a brute because of his lack of size, and won’t run like a brute runner either. 

Burst/Explosion: 12 – 

• Acceleration (6/6) – Doesn’t seem to stop accelerating. Has several gears he can kick into in space. 
• Explosiveness (5/6) – Fairly explosive athlete. Explosive off of the cut. Testing wasn’t great. 

Running Back Traits (25)

Field Vision: 15 – 

• Reading Blocks (8.5/10) – Finds creases and “tunnels” to run through. Does an excellent job moving with the hole and finds space quickly and decisively. 
• Understanding Defenders (3/5) – Doesn’t see defenders too well at times. 

Contact Balance: 10 – 

• In Power (4/5) – Contact balance between the tackles is impressive, especially considering his size. 
• In Space (3/5) – I don’t see the same kind of contact balance in space that I see with him between the tackles. Becomes too upright in the open field. 

Passing Game Ability (33)

Catch Ability: 15 – 

• Natural Hands (7.5/10) – Capable receiver out of the backfield, shows good hands. Was utilized as a receiver very often. Struggles with concentration drops. 
• Catch Through Contact (3.5/5) – Shows the ability to make catches through contact. 

Route Running: 5 – 

• Route Running (3.5/5) – Good, not great, route runner. Ran a lot of routes from the backfield at Texas A&M. Doesn’t do a good job reading the scramble drill. 

Pass Block Ability: 13 – 

• Power (3.5/5) – Has some good technique that translates to power from that spot. Impressive in pass protection when he was asked to do it. 
• Quickness/Bend (3/5) – Gets into position pretty well. Doesn’t have a lot of power to hold up for a long time but can hold up if he has help. 
• As a Chip Blocker (2/3) – Very decent chip blocker. Checks effectively. 

Overall: (78) – 2nd/3rd Round