Achane a dynamo, in all facets of game

Devon Achane is part running back, part rocket ship.

One of the most dynamic players of this entire NFL Draft class, Achane flashes the qualities the Patriots covet: speed, vision, and versatility.

Built in the mold of a traditional third-down back, the 5-foot-8-inch, 188-pounder has the quickness to both bolt through tiny interior seams (he excelled in Texas A&M’s inside zone scheme) and to bounce outside when there’s no immediate daylight.

The Aggie burner has elite acceleration but also the ability to downshift and change directions, often leaving defenders flat-footed and grasping at air.

Achane also has top-notch receiving skills both out of the backfield and when lined up in the slot. He has soft hands, catches the ball smoothly, and tucks it away quickly.

His vision shows up again in the open field, where he patiently (not always easy when you’re this fast) follows his blocks before dashing to the house.

“I feel like I can run all types of routes for a running back and a receiver,” Achane said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “So, I feel like my hands are pretty precise. I feel like I’m consistent.”

Another key to being a successful all-purpose back is pass protection, and Achane shows promise here. Despite his comparative lack of size (considering the behemoths he must take on), Achane is a willing blocker who will stick his nose in the dirty areas. He’ll miss some assignments but likely will gain more consistency with more coaching.

Blocking was a subject that NFL evaluators quizzed Achane about during his combine chats.

“You go in there and they teach you their pass protection,” he said. “You repeat it back to them. So, I feel like I did a good job doing that.”

Achane also offers excellent special teams value as a kick returner — he returned two for touchdowns — and as a gunner on the punt coverage unit.

“I’m willing to do everything I can to help my team win,” he said.

Achane led the Southeastern Conference and was fourth in the FBS with an average of 161 allpurpose yards per game.

Another nugget that will endear Achane to the Patriots (and every other NFL squad): He had just two fumbles in his three seasons in College Station.

Though the Patriots have good depth in the running back room, there’s a high injury rate at the position, so adding another body — especially with 11 picks in the pipeline — is just smart business.