If you were looking for Raheem Mostert, you’re about a year too late. The 2026 version of the Miami Dolphins RB depth chart is officially the De’Von Achane show, and honestly, it’s about time. After the Dolphins moved on from the veteran Mostert—who eventually landed with the Raiders—the backfield shifted from a "lightning and lightning" committee to a youth-driven engine room that is both terrifyingly fast and occasionally frustrating.
Speed remains the brand in South Florida. But the 2025 season showed us some cracks in that "track meet" philosophy. While Mike McDaniel was recently fired after a disappointing 7-10 finish, the roster he left behind is still built for one thing: getting to the edge before the linebacker can blink.
Let's break down who is actually in this room right now.
The Current State of the Miami Dolphins RB Depth Chart
The hierarchy isn't just about who starts; it's about who Mike McDaniel (and whoever takes his place) trusts when the box gets crowded. Here is how the room looks as we head into the 2026 offseason:
- De’Von Achane (The Bellcow): He’s no longer just a "change of pace" guy. Achane just came off a Pro Bowl season where he finished third in the league in rushing with 1,267 yards. He averaged a ridiculous 5.8 yards per carry. Basically, he’s the offense.
- Jaylen Wright (The Heir Apparent): Wright took a massive step forward in the back half of 2025. He ended the year with 288 yards and two scores, but more importantly, he started out-snapping the other backups. He’s the muscle to Achane’s finesse, even if he still has 4.3 speed.
- Ollie Gordon II (The Rookie Wildcard): The Oklahoma State product had a quiet rookie year, mostly because it’s hard to find touches behind a guy like Achane. He’s the "big" back at 225 pounds, though his 2.8 average in 2025 suggests he’s still adjusting to the NFL's speed.
- Donovan Edwards: The Michigan standout spent most of the year waiting for an opening. He’s basically depth right now, though his receiving skills make him a name to watch if there's an injury.
De’Von Achane: From Gadget to Greatness
There was always this worry that Achane was too small. People thought he’d break if he took more than 10 carries a game. Well, 2025 proved that wrong. He didn't just survive; he thrived. He became the first player in Dolphins history to put up 2,000+ rushing yards and 1,000+ receiving yards in his first three seasons.
He's currently dealing with a shoulder issue that kept him out of the season finale against New England, but the medical staff expects him back for training camp. Without him, this offense basically becomes a stagnant pond. He’s the guy who turns a 2-yard loss into a 60-yard highlight reel.
The Jaylen Wright Ascension
If you’re looking for the biggest riser on the Miami Dolphins RB depth chart, it’s Wright. He lost body fat, added muscle, and started playing with a mean streak. In December 2025 alone, he racked up 200 rushing yards.
What's interesting is how he’s being used. In Week 14 against the Jets, he handled 24 carries for 107 yards. That told us two things:
- The Dolphins trust him to carry the load.
- They want to keep Achane fresh by using Wright as the primary hammer in the fourth quarter.
Honestly, Wright is the "insurance policy" that every fantasy manager is going to be fighting over in 2026.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Miami Run Game
Everyone thinks the Dolphins run a "soft" finesse game. That's kinda true, but it's also a bit of a myth. While they ranked 13th in rushing yards per game in 2025 (120.2 yards), they struggled mightily when things got physical.
When they played "punch-in-the-mouth" defenses like Buffalo or Kansas City, the run game vanished. That’s why Ollie Gordon II was drafted. The idea was to bring in a guy who can get those dirty yards on 3rd-and-1. So far, it hasn't quite clicked. Gordon looked hesitant at times last year, finishing with only 199 yards on the season.
If the Dolphins want to fix their depth chart, they need Gordon to play like the Doak Walker winner he was in college.
The Mostert Void
Let’s be real: Raheem Mostert's veteran presence is missed. Even at 33, he was the emotional leader of that room. Watching him play for the Raiders in 2025 felt weird. The Dolphins saved cap space by letting him go, but they lost that "coach on the field" element. Jaylen Wright has the physical tools to replace him, but the leadership gap is still there.
Coaching Turmoil and the Future of the Backfield
With Mike McDaniel out, the big question is whether the next coach will keep this speed-first philosophy. McDaniel was the "Mad Scientist" of the zone-run game. He used "Cheat Motion" and exotic looks to create lanes.
If a more traditional, "power-football" coach comes in, do these backs still fit?
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- Achane: He’s too good to bench, regardless of the scheme.
- Wright: He’s versatile enough to play in a gap-heavy system.
- Gordon: Actually fits a "power" scheme better than the McDaniel finesse system.
The rumors are swirling about names like Jim Schwartz or even an offensive mind like Ben Johnson (if he ever leaves Detroit). Whoever it is, they’re inheriting a backfield that is young and cheap. Achane and Wright are both on rookie deals through at least 2026, which is a massive win for the salary cap.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're tracking the Miami Dolphins RB depth chart for betting, fantasy, or just general fandom, here is what you need to watch over the next six months:
- The Injury Report: Watch Achane’s shoulder. If he’s limited in July, Jaylen Wright’s value triples.
- The New OC: See if the new offensive coordinator brings in a "Fullback" type or a blocking tight end. This will tell you if they plan on running more between the tackles.
- The Draft/Free Agency: Don't be surprised if the Dolphins add a cheap veteran like Alexander Mattison. They need a "pro's pro" in a room full of 22-year-olds.
- Ollie Gordon’s Progress: If Gordon doesn't show up to OTAs in better "pro shape," he might get buried by a late-round flyer or a camp invite.
The talent is there. The speed is definitely there. Now, the Dolphins just need a coach who can turn that track speed into January wins.
Next Steps for Fans: Keep a close eye on the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency in March. If Miami doesn't sign a veteran back, it’s a massive vote of confidence for Wright and Gordon to handle the load behind Achane. Check the official Dolphins transactions page weekly to see if any depth signings occur before training camp starts.