Chris Perkins: De’Von Achane, Chop Robinson could bring instant glory to Dolphins’ last three drafts

MIAMI GARDENS — Two players could save the last three drafts for the Miami Dolphins — running back De’Von Achane, the Dolphins’ 2023 draft pick, and edge rusher Chop Robinson, Miami’s 2024 first-round draft pick.

And when you watch each of them prove themselves every day in training camp, there’s reason to believe these guys could do big things this season.

If Achane and Robinson reach what we believe to be their full potential this season, the shortcomings of Miami’s previous two drafts will be largely erased.

Not entirely, but largely.

In the previous two drafts, only Achane and 2022 seventh-round pick quarterback Skylar Thompson have had a measurable impact so far.

Achane, the speedy 2023 third-round pick whose workload was measured early in camp, flashed the speed that allowed him to set an NFL rookie record with 7.8 yards per carry last season. He ended up rushing for 800 yards on just 103 carries with eight touchdowns.

Achane, who teams with Pro Bowl running back Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright to give the Dolphins perhaps the most complete backfield in the league, was a favorite target of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during Saturday’s two-minute offensive drill.

The sliding Achane finished the drive with what was ruled a touchdown reception by the officials even though a defender met Achane near the 3-yard line.

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“It would have definitely been a touchdown,” Achane said with a smile after practice. “We follow the referees.”

Keep an eye on Achane’s receiving abilities this season. After finishing with 27 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns last season, he’s poised to do much more in that department this season.

Robinson, the 21st overall pick out of Penn State, offered hope that the Dolphins’ pass rush could withstand the possibility that Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) may not be ready for the Sept. 8 opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

On Saturday, Robinson, who could start as early as Week 1 against edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, continued to display the pass-rushing skills that made him a top draft prospect.

But what’s even more encouraging is that he’s showing some run defense skills. Robinson, who says he talks to Phillips frequently, is already becoming an expert at setting the edge, or turning the running game inside toward pursuit, a valuable skill for any rusher who plays the run.

In a remarkable play Saturday, Robinson fended off a block from Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold and returned an Achane run to the inside where Achane was stopped for no gain.

What happened after training is also remarkable.

Robinson, who is increasingly looking like a three-down player rather than a pass rusher, was asked what he thought of his performance during those nine training camp practices and he gave an informed answer.

“Before I get to the quarterback, I have to stop the run,” he said.

You wouldn’t expect such acumen from a young pass rusher, but Robinson is currently displaying above-average skills on and off the field.

Robinson said the biggest change in the NFL compared to college is the speed of the game. He doesn’t appear to have any major issues so far.

Robinson is getting around the Dolphins’ offensive tackles so easily that he’s drawn a few false start penalties from veteran Kendall Lamm.

The Dolphins’ last three draft picks haven’t produced much other than Achane and Robinson.

The 2022 draft, led by linebacker Channing Tindall, the third-round pick out of Georgia, still has all four players drafted on the team. Receiver Erik Ezukanma was the fourth-round pick and linebackers Cameron Goode and Thompson were seventh-round picks.

The 2023 draft, led by cornerback Cam Smith, a second-round pick out of South Carolina, also includes Achane, tight end Elijah Higgins, a sixth-round pick, and tackle Ryan Hayes, a seventh-round pick.

This year’s draft is led by Robinson and also includes second-round offensive tackle Patrick Paul, fourth-round pick Wright, fifth-round defensive end Mo Kamara, sixth-round picks Malik Washington and safety Patrick McMorris, and seventh-round pick Tahj Washington. No player, other than Robinson, is expected to play a major role as a rookie.

Of those 15 draft picks, only two are expected to have an impact this season: Achane and Robinson.

But if Achane and Robinson keep doing what they’re doing, they’ll shine a favorable light on three draft years for the Miami Dolphins.