As the Miami Dolphins gear up for their 2025 training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex, the team presents a fascinating study in contrasts. While the running back room showcases impressive depth and versatility, questions surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s standing in the league continue to generate debate.
Running Back Room: A Blend of Production and Potential
The Dolphins’ backfield is anchored by De’Von Achane, whose productivity defies simple classification. Between his ability to hit the big run, generate yards after contact, score on screen passes and run polished routes from a wide receiver alignment, perhaps the best designation is the simplest one: he’s productive. Just shy of 2,500 total yards from scrimmage across two seasons, Achane’s efficiency is in rare air.
While Miami’s backfield looks deep on paper, it’s worth noting that De’Von Achane just missed cracking our NFL Top 10 Running Backs for 2025 list — emphasis on almost. His dual-threat efficiency and explosive playmaking ability place him right on the edge of elite territory, and a strong training camp showing could finally vault him into national recognition.
Achane leads all NFL backs with 5.6 yards per carry since the start of the 2023 season. He also scored six receiving touchdowns in 2024 and produced 673 yards after the catch, most among NFL backs. This dual-threat capability makes him one of the most valuable weapons in Miami’s offensive arsenal.
The depth behind Achane presents intriguing possibilities. Wright, back for Year 2, is poised for a bigger role. According to Pro Football Focus, Wright broke 16 tackles on just 89 rushing attempts and produced eight runs of 10-plus yards. He also had a pair of 30-plus-yard runs called back on penalties. His performance in New England, where he carried 13 times for 86 yards after Achane’s injury, demonstrated his readiness for increased responsibility.
The addition of veteran Alexander Mattison adds another dimension to the backfield. At 220 pounds, and a downhill mentality, Mattison is 21-for-26 converting first downs on third-or-fourth down and short (three yards or less to gain). His five years of experience in Minnesota, including time under Kevin O’Connell’s similar offensive system, should facilitate his integration into Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
Rookie Ollie Gordon II brings pedigree to the room as the 2023 Doak Walker Award winner. Recent recipients of that award include Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, Kenneth Walker, Najee Harris, Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry. Gordon II gained more than 3,500 yards from scrimmage and scored 40 touchdowns in three years at Oklahoma State.
Quarterback Concerns: Tua’s Ranking Reflects Health Questions
While the running back room appears stocked with talent, the quarterback position presents different challenges. After a frustrating 2024 season marred by multiple injuries (a common theme for Tagovailoa), Miami’s quarterback fell in ESPN’s rankings — coming in at #17 on the list, just barely cracking the “also receiving votes” section.
This ranking represents a significant drop from previous years. In 2024, following a stellar 2023 campaign that saw Tagovailoa throw for a league-leading 4,624 yards accompanied by 29 passing touchdowns, fans were surprised to see the former Alabama Crimson Tide product miss out on top-ten honors — instead coming in at #14 on ESPN’s list which placed him in the “honorable mentions” category.
The evaluation from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts reflects a troubling pattern. As is always the case with the Dolphins passer, health (or the lack-thereof) will be the biggest reason why Tagovailoa doesn’t get the same respect as most of his peers. When healthy, the 27-year-old puts up high-end numbers while leading Miami to more wins than losses — but when he misses time (which happens quite often), the Dolphins can’t make up for his absence and suffer losses at an alarming rate because of his fragility.
Recent Track Record: A Story of Inconsistency
The Dolphins’ recent five-year record reflects the team’s inconsistent performance during the Tagovailoa era. From 2020-2024, Miami posted records of 10-6 (2020), 9-8 (2021), 9-8 (2022), 11-6 (2023), and 8-9 (2024), compiling a 47-38 overall record for a .553 winning percentage. While the numbers suggest a team hovering around .500, the context reveals a more concerning pattern of missed opportunities.
Despite making the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, the Dolphins have struggled to capitalize on their regular season success, suffering first-round playoff exits both times with losses to Buffalo (34-31) and Kansas City (26-7) respectively. The 2024 season marked a step backward, as Miami finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time under McDaniel’s leadership.
Looking Ahead to Training Camp
The contrast between these two position groups highlights the Dolphins’ current state. The running back room, led by veteran coach Eric Studesville, appears to offer multiple solutions and developmental opportunities. Meanwhile, the quarterback situation hinges entirely on Tagovailoa’s ability to stay healthy and perform at the elite level he’s capable of reaching.
This offseason, the team and the quarterback alike have discussed Tagovailoa’s goal to place an increased importance on his health. Let’s see if that goal can become more than words when the Dolphins hit the field for meaningful football games in roughly two months time.
The complementary nature of these storylines could define Miami’s 2025 season. A healthy Tagovailoa working with an improved running game featuring Achane’s explosiveness, Wright’s development, and Mattison’s short-yardage reliability could elevate the entire offensive unit. However, if health issues persist at the quarterback position, the depth and talent in the backfield may need to carry an even heavier load.
Training camp will provide the first glimpse of how these pieces fit together under McDaniel’s system, with fans able to witness the development firsthand at the Baptist Health Training Complex starting July 26th.
