Miami Dolphins Receive Favorable Draft Grades for Speedy RB Jaylen Wright
ICARO Media Group
The Miami Dolphins made a splash in the 2024 NFL Draft with the selection of running back Jaylen Wright from Tennessee. Following the acquisition of a fourth-round pick in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dolphins used their 120th pick to secure the speedy playmaker.
Various draft grades have emerged, with almost all of them highlighting Wright's exceptional speed as his standout attribute. USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly commends the Dolphins' decision, noting that Wright's threat to go the distance against SEC competition was well-known. The article suggests that Wright's versatility and ability to contribute on all three downs could make for an impressive partnership with De'Von Achane in Miami. Ostly gives the Dolphins' pick a grade of B+.
However, not all analysts were as glowing in their assessments. Bleacher Report's Brett Sobleski acknowledges Wright's game-breaking speed and jump-cut ability but points out his tendency to be overly patient and cautious, as well as his inability to finish runs powerfully. Sobleski assigns a grade of C+ to the Dolphins' acquisition.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports also comments on the addition of speed to Miami's offense, highlighting Wright's high-end acceleration once he hits the open field. While Trapasso concedes that Wright's elusiveness is good but not amazing, he expresses a desire for the Dolphins to address another position in the draft. Trapasso assigns a grade of B- to the pick.
Ian Valentino of 33rd Team offers a more critical evaluation of Wright, labeling him a complimentary back and suggesting that he will only be a part-time player in Miami. Valentino gives the Dolphins' pick a grade of D.
Despite the mixed reviews, Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network conveys excitement for Miami fans as they welcome an explosive offensive playmaker to their team. Mellor highlights Wright's explosiveness and value as a physical blocker in the passing game. Pro Football Network's grade for the Dolphins' selection mirrors USA TODAY's grade of B+.
Pro Football Focus focuses on Wright's impressive career-best PFF grade of 91.0 in 2023, which led all running backs in the SEC. They also note his impressive yards per carry average of over 7.4, the second-highest rate among Power-Five backs. Pro Football Focus assigns Wright a positive grade.
Eric Edholm of NFL Network acknowledges the Dolphins' affinity for speed and sees Wright as a potential replacement for Raheem Mostert, as well as a complement to De'Von Achane. Edholm emphasizes the importance of ball security for Wright to solidify his role. However, no specific grade is given for the Dolphins' pick in this evaluation.
Overall, the Miami Dolphins' selection of Jaylen Wright has generated a range of opinions among analysts. While some applaud his game-breaking speed and versatility, others express reservations about his patience and power as a runner. Nevertheless, the addition of Wright brings additional explosiveness to Miami's offense, aligning well with the team's emphasis on speed.