FILM | Miami Dolphins add explosive running back in Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright

With the 120th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select…

Last week, I reviewed the tape on some of the Miami Dolphins‘ newest draft prospects, and to say that I’m excited to watch these young players compete and develop would be an understatement.

On Tuesday, I did a deep dive on Miami’s newest pass-rusher, Chop Robinson, and what he brings to Anthony Weaver’s defense. (Spoiler Alert: Quarterbacks are in trouble!) And then, on Thursday, I broke down one of the Dolphin’s more polarizing draft picks (IMO). Of course, I’m talking about Miami’s newest offensive tackle, Patrick Paul, a titanic-sized player with plenty to work on if he hopes to take over for Terron Armstead soon.

That brings us to the third player the Dolphins selected and one the team felt they needed to trade up to get in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Here’s my film breakdown on Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright.

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Biography

Name: Jaylen Wright

Height: 5’ 10 1/2”

Weight: 210 lbs.

Arm: 31 1/2”

Hand: 9 3/8”

40 Time: 4.38

10-yard Split: 1.55

2023 Stats: 137 carries, 1,013 yards, four touchdowns. 22 receptions for 141 yards.

* All numbers from NFL.com

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What the Scouts are Saying…

// “What makes Wright a higher-level prospect, with starter potential as a primary back (different from a foundation back who is the offense’s starting point), is his short-area burst through small creases at the POA.

When you combine that with his patience, tempo, vision and velocity, you have an explosive runner who can not only sustain offense but produce big plays. Wright also brings added value as a receiver. He can line up in the backfield and detached from the formation. Plus, he showed he could pass protect.

Overall, Wright is a higher-level running back prospect with game-changing impact traits. That kind of back will be in demand because he is a weapon in an offense from multiple locations in the formation.” – Greg Cosell, 33rd team.” //

// “Wright grades out as a top-100 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft on my board. He’s one of the top RB prospects in the class and could be an immediate spark plug for an offense in need of a change-of-pace back with deadly speed and three-down utility.

Being a younger player, there are still areas of his game where Wright can attain greater consistency. Most notably, his exchange footwork and processing behind the line of scrimmage could use some work.” – Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network” //

// “Explosive back with good size and breakaway speed. Wright’s running style is more linear than free-flowing, which limits his cut smoothness and elusiveness on the second level. His vision and aggression as an interior runner are just average, but that won’t stop him from putting yards on the stat sheet. He regularly bounced runs wide and beat the pursuit around the corner, so a move to a stretch-based running attack would be a natural fit, allowing his speed to shine. He’s capable of running with power, but he will default into finesse at times. Wright’s big-play potential and talent as a pass catcher should make him a Day 2 target as a future starter.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com” //

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What the Houtz is Saying…

First, let me say that I’m proud of Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier for evaluating a player with Wright’s skill set and then having the testicular fortitude to go up and get him. Even more impressive was that it came right before a run on the position. So, kudos to Miami’s decision-makers for making it happen.

Now, with that said, I’m not entirely sure many of us went into this draft expecting the Dolphins to trade up for a running back. But it makes a lot more sense when you evaluate the roster and remember that Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are not getting any younger.

He also adds a different dynamic to Miami’s offense than other backs on the roster. Yes, he has the 4.38 game-breaking speed that McDaniel covets. And sure, he can make defenders miss in a phone booth and be an asset as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. However, Wright’s most valuable asset to Miami’s backfield (at least early on) is his ability to alter the game as a pass-protector.

There were times throughout my study when I saw Wright — at 5’10 — absolutely stone a linebacker shooting through the A-gap or a blitzing defensive back off the edge. It was impressive to watch. A lost art in a way. This is where I think he will be utilized most early on in Miami.

That said, he can undoubtedly alter the game with one cut and blow the doors off a defense at any point. He will be a playmaker, and to think of Tua Tagovailoa tossing the rock around to Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr., Jonnu Smith, and all of Miami’s other skill-players — IN ADDITION TO — a three-headed backfield consisting of Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, and Jaylen Wright and every defensive coordinator in the NFL should be lying awake at night.

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FILM

Games Watched: South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama

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Conclusion

The Dolphins may not have needed a running back, but with a player of Wright’s caliber on the board, you can see why Miami dipped into next year’s war chest of mid-round picks to land the 21-year-old back. As a rookie, Wright will likely be integrated slowly into McDaniel’s offense. But as we’ve seen year after year, players must always be ready to have their number called upon, and with Wright being a natural scheme fit, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him earlier than expected, especially in the passing game.

Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins are all-in this year, and if that means emptying the chamber and bringing in every last playmaker on offense and defense, then I’m here for it. Jaylen Wright is a stud, and I’m excited to see what he can do in this offense surrounded by the rest of Miami’s playmakers.

What are your thoughts on Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright? Do you think it was the right decision for the Dolphins to move up to land the 21-year-old back? What type of role do you think he will have in 2024 and beyond? Let us know in the comments section below!