The Miami Dolphins somehow just got faster. Mike McDaniel’s newest toy: Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright, who ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine.
The Dolphins took Wright at pick No. 120 after trading a 2025 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Dolphins felt comfortable parting with that selection because they were expected to have three third-rounders in 2025 due to compensatory picks.
Miami Dolphins Draft Jaylen Wright With 120th Pick
The Basics
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 210 pounds
Position: Running Back
School: Tennessee
Current Year: Junior
PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 119 overall (No. 8 running back)
The Fit
Who knows? That’s up to McDaniel. But the Dolphins’ running back room is absolutely electric with Wright joining speedsters De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
The Dolphins are also bringing back Jeff Wilson Jr., Chris Brooks, and Salvon Ahmed, who are presumably competing for one — maybe two — spots.
Wright, who rushed for 1,013 yards on just 137 carries (7.4 yards per) and four touchdowns his final season at Tennessee, and Ahmed in two-running back sets will be absolutely wild.
He told reporters that he has been GPS clocked at 23.7 mph. That’s insanely fast.
PFN’s Grade
“While not considered a priority need in the 2024 NFL Draft, especially given their lack of capital, landing an explosive offensive playmaker into this Dolphins offense is exciting for Miami fans. Jaylen Wright is one of the more explosive running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft class while adding value in the passing game as a physical blocker.” — PFN Draft Analyst Oliver Hodgkinson
Grade: B+
What He Said
“It’s going to be really scary. I’ve got a lot of fire built up in me right now. I’m ready to get out there and prove my point.” — Miami Dolphins fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright
Wright’s Time in Tennessee
Wright joined the Volunteers as a three-star recruit out of Durham, North Carolina, in 2020 with relatively little fanfare. But in three seasons, he became an early-to-mid-round talent and an all-league producer.
The flashes of talent were there from the start. As a true freshman in 2021, Wright logged 409 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 85 carries. In 2022, alongside Jabari Small, he amassed 875 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging six yards per carry.
He ultimately racked up 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries, averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per attempt. Wright also caught 22 passes for 141 yards.
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