Jaylen Wright | Tennessee 5’10½ ” 210 lbs. 04/01/2003 (Age 20)
Jaylen Wright was drafted 120th overall by the Miami Dolphins, becoming the 5th running back and 120th overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Attempts | Yards | Yards/Attempt | TDs |
| 2021 (FR) | 9 | 85 | 409 | 4.8 | 4 |
| 2022 (SO) | 13 | 146 | 875 | 6.0 | 10 |
| 2023 (JR) | 12 | 137 | 1,013 | 7.4 | 4 |
In 34 career college games, Wright accumulated 2,297 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. His Junior season in 2023 was his best, averaging 7.4 yards per carry and leading the Tennessee rushing attack. Although he finished with just 30 receptions for 171 yards and zero touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield, he showcased flashes of receiving capabilities. His superb play in 2023 also helped him receive All-SEC Second Team honors.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Wright has blazing speed and often outruns every defender in open space. Uses an above-average jump cut to create open lanes. Often finishes his runs through contact, earning extra yards. Finished with a 7.4 yards per average in 2023, which was second in the nation behind only LSU’s quarterback Jayden Daniels. He wasn’t used much as a receiver out of the backfield but showcased reliable hands and ran smooth, crisp routes.
WEAKNESSES
Doesn’t cut inside lanes as often as he should. Very linear runner. Lacks elusiveness and movement when driving into his cuts. Forgets to lower his pads, as he often runs upright. Tends to cough the ball up more than expected (four fumbles in 2022). Needs to improve tremendously as a pass-blocker. Wouldn’t hurt to bulk up a bit to prepare for the pro level as well.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Wright measured in at 5’10 ½“ and 210 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 29.3. He ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash (98th percentile), equating to a 114.1-speed score (95th percentile). Wright also displayed a 131.6 burst score (95th percentile) and a college dominator score of 11 percent.
Wright showcased elite speed, as his 4.38 40-yard dash ranked second behind only Isaac Guerendo’s 4.33. Although his 1.55-second 10-yard split wasn’t all that impressive, he showcased solid leaping abilities with a 38” vertical (tied for fourth best among all running backs) and finished with the best broad jump amongst the position group at 134”. He didn’t show any red flags at the combine, but if you were to give him one, it would probably be his agility, as he struggled in the 10-yard split. Especially for someone with his speed and athleticism.
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average
Wright was selected with the 120th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins spent a draft pick on a running back for the second straight year. With age concerns surrounding Raheem Mostert, Wright joins De’Von Achane in a loaded running back room. Expect Wright to serve as the team’s RB3 for now, but the assumption is that both Achane and Wright leap-frog Mostert at some point.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I had a third-round grade on Wright, and he was my fourth-ranked running back ahead of MarShawn Lloyd and Blake Corum but behind Braelon Allen.
In your rookie drafts, Wright should go somewhere in the second round. He has the tools and skillset to turn into a valuable fantasy asset. It may take him a year before he can develop into a consistent option for your fantasy team. The future is bright, but his landing spot isn’t super ideal given the team already has Achanefor years to come if he can stay healthy.
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