De'Von Achane's Massive 2026 Workload Hinted at By Dolphins' Jeff Hafley amid Fantasy Buzz

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane's fantasy football value was boosted even further after a bold declaration from new head coach Jeff Hafley.

During an appearance on Monday's episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Hafley made it clear that he plans to utilize Achane as his workhorse running back throughout the upcoming season.

"I just gave Achane a heads-up this morning and I told him, 'You better be in good shape,'" Hafley said, per ESPN. "I told him there might be some games when I have to pick him up and carry him back to the locker room because he's going to be so tired."

Achane had a career-high 305 total touches in his third season in Miami in 2025, with 238 carries for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, and 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more scores. He eclipsed the 20-touch mark in eight games, but Hafley indicated that he could be in for an even bigger workload in 2026.

"I told him, 'I don't ever want to see one of these head taps all year,' and he looked me right in the eye and he said, 'You'll never get that head tap from me,'" Hafley said. "I said, 'Don't worry buddy. After you touch the ball 40, 45 times, I might have to pick you up and carry you back into the locker room.'"

The Dolphins are a rebuilding team with a suspect passing attack led by journeyman quarterback Malik Willis. Miami will surely lean on the run game throughout the year, which should bode well for fantasy football managers who draft Achane.

While Achane should already be viewed as a first-round target in fantasy football drafts, Hafley's statements could push him into the top five or top three before the 2026 season starts.