Miami Dolphins Prized Draft Pick Displays Stunning Skills In 2024 NFL Debut

The Miami Dolphins are expected to continue emphasizing a robust running game under head coach Mike McDaniel. With McDaniel at the helm, the Dolphins have utilized multiple running backs to create a potent rushing attack. Last season, Miami led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns thanks to the contributions of players like Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. In an effort to bolster their running back depth, Miami drafted Jaylen Wright from the University of Tennessee. Wright showed promise in his NFL debut during the preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Miami Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright: Dominates in Professional Debut

Jun 4, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami running back Jaylen Wright (25) runs with the football during a mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Miami Dolphins faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in their preseason opener. The AFC East club opted to sit their starters, including the primary rushing duo of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. Miami’s decision to rest their starters opened the door for rookie fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright, formerly of the Tennessee Volunteers. Wright earned ten rush attempts, tallying 55 yards and a score with a long rush of 14 yards.

Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright in his NFL debut so far:

10 rushes
55 yards
1 TD

Looks like Miami got another playmaker.pic.twitter.com/fkqFmnGnQM

— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) August 10, 2024

In the third quarter, Wright took a screen pass from quarterback Mike White, but after a bobbled catch and lack of exterior blocking, Wright faced a substantial loss of yards. However, the speedster broke a tackle before reversing the field and scrambling to the edge before cutting upfield for a gain of 15 yards. In the second quarter, Wright took a handoff at the goal line with the Dolphins running power out of the I formation. Wright received great blocking before making an excellent cut and finding a seam for a five-yard gain.

Jaylen Wright: Epic College Career

Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (0) dodges Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Andru Phillips (23) to strike first with a Volunteer touchdown early in the first quarter Saturday in Lexington. Oct 28, 2023. (Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins)

A three-star recruit in the 2021 class, Jaylen Wright played for the Tennessee Volunteers. Wright rushed for 409 yards and four scores as a true freshman while catching six passes for 22 yards. In 2022, Wright scampered for 875 yards and a career-high ten scores. However, the North Carolina native saved his most efficient season for last year, averaging a healthy 7.4 yards per carry on 137 attempts. He recorded 1,154 yards and four touchdowns.

The Miami Dolphins burned their fourth-round pick in the subsequent draft of Wright. The Tennessee product became the fifth rusher selected off the board, following Jonathon Brooks, Trey Benson, Blake Corum, andMarShawn Lloyd.