ON THE AIR
Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn — who could add another layer of explosiveness to an offense headlined by wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
The 5-9, 185-pound Achane is a track star who backed up Isaiah Spiller before taking over leadback duties in 2022 and recording almost 1,300 yards from scrimmage.
“I feel like I have great vision,” Achane said Saturday. “I feel like I can control my speed. I can make one cut and I always make sure I’m always north and south.”
Vaughn, 5-6 and 175 pounds, was a consensus All-American at the allpurpose position and the only player in the nation to record 1,500 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards.
Both Achane and
Vaughn also have return experience, which could be a boon for a Dolphins special teams unit that lacked a consistent option, but face questions about their size, particularly as pass protectors.
“I feel like I took great strides [as a blocker] throughout my time at Kansas State but there is still something I can work on,” Vaughn said. “Working on my lower extremities, seeing my hands to the pads, making sure that I’m patient in the blocking game.
“There are a lot of things where you can go and smack it but if you miss — it’s good to make contact and hold on for a half-second for the ball to get off rather than miss.”
The Dolphins also met with Syracuse’s Sean Tucker, a bigger back who could offer a mix of physicality and speed. Like Achane, the 5-10 and 205-pound Tucker competed in track in college as a sprinter. And in 2021, Tucker set a program record at Syracuse with 1,496 rushing yards.
Experts have said Tucker, a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect, has the potential to be a lead back in the NFL but needs improvement as a blocker and receiver.
McDaniel said the Dolphins are open to players with a variety of traits but seek versatility in any additions.
“We have good players surrounding the running back position so you’ve got to be willing to pass block and do things off the ball,” McDaniel said Tuesday. “I think there are many different types of running backs that can excel in this offense given whatever their skill sets